China trekkers raise over £71,000 for hospice

A group of hospice supporters has raised a record-breaking amount after completing a trek along a remote section of the Great Wall of China.

Collectively, the seventeen trekkers raised £71,399.23 for St Richard’s Hospice, the most raised from any of the charity’s overseas trips.

From 17 to 25 October, the trekkers each climbed 729 flights of stairs, visited 50 watchtowers along the wall and conquered a total ascent and descent of over 3,000m.

Julie Wills from Malvern did the trek in memory of her husband Paul Wills and said: “This trip gave me the chance to support St Richard’s Hospice who cared for my husband when we needed them the most.

“It was an unforgettable experience! The group formed such a close bond that supported us all through the difficult moments of the challenge.

“It was a truly uplifting experience in a unique and inspiring location. I would recommend a St Richard’s charity challenge to anyone considering signing up.”

Steve Morris from Crowle volunteers at St Richard’s Hospice and completed the trek. He said: “I spent five days trekking with a lovely group of like-minded people.

“We were all there to raise funds for St Richard’s, but actually we all had a fabulous time doing so.

“It was a fantastic voyage of discovery and I’d recommend anyone to take on a challenge in aid of a St Richard’s and have some fun along the way.”

Sofia Gunster, fundraising manager at St Richard’s Hospice, said: “I’m incredibly grateful to have experienced such an amazing trip with a fantastic group of supporters.

“No matter how challenging it became, the group stayed positive and full of laughter throughout. I’m so proud of every single one of them, not only for this remarkable personal achievement but also for raising a record amount for the hospice.”

St Richard’s is planning a Moroccan Sahara trek for March 2028, with an information evening in January 2027 for anyone who wants to find out more.

To find out about the hospice’s other events, including the Sahara trek, visit www.strichards.org.uk/events.

St Richard’s Hospice is an independent charity offering free, expert care for adults with an illness that cannot be cured, and support for their loved ones and carers.

Each year the hospice team supports more than 3,000 patients, family members and bereaved people in Worcestershire.

It will cost in the region of £12m to run the hospice this year, which includes patient care and all the necessary support services.

St Richard’s relies on voluntary support, including from donations, gifts in Wills, retail and events for the majority of its income with the remainder funded by the NHS.

For more information about St Richard’s Hospice visit www.strichards.org.uk