MORE than 400 walkers braved a misty morning for the annual St Richard’s Hospice Malvern Hills Walk.

Hikers of all ages laced up their boots on Saturday in a show of support for the charity, which cares for patients with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses and their families.

Last year’s event raised about £25,000 for St Richard’s and it is hoped the 2012 event will match that amount.

Among those tackling the two, five and 11-mile challenges were members of Malvern Town Wanderers under 11s team.

They walked five miles and raised about £800 in memory of their late coach, Samantha Crumplin, who was cared for by the hospice.

Team manager Linda Holmes said she was “very proud” of the efforts made by the group, which included Mrs Crumplin’s 11-yearold son Dan.

She said: “We all did it and all got back. We’ve raised quite a bit between us. We’re all so proud of the team and it was really nice to see them there.”

St Richard’s Hospice community fund-raiser Phillippa Jone, said the weather failed to dampen the spirits of walkers. She said: “It was fantastic. We were really worried when we saw the weather, but pretty much everybody turned up.

“It just shows how fantastic this event is and people come back to take part year after year.

“Our thanks also go to the Sea Cadets and Foresters for their help.”