HUNDREDS of walkers have already signed up for this year's annual Malvern Hills Walk for St Richard's Hospice later this month.

With two weeks to go, organisers are expecting a flurry of entries to join the walk on Saturday, May 19, which is one of the largest annual fund-raising events in the hospice calendar.

Last year more than 600 people took part in the family fun day, raising almost £26,000 towards the hospice work for patients and families with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. With 400 already signed up, organisers hope this year's event will prove to be just as popular.

Among those taking part in the walk are hospice supporters and volunteers Sylvia and Arthur Whittaker, from Droitwich. The couple, who have joined the walks each year for more than a decade, walk the five-mile route.

Sylvia said: "Over the years it has been quite a family event with our children James and Annie and always our dogs. Last year James together with his partner Rachel did the 11-mile walk, and they are hoping to do it again this year. That is a bit too challenging for us, the five miles is just right.

"My lovely mum died from cancer almost 15 years ago and was a patient at St Richard's, so everything we do for the hospice is in memory of her. The hospice was a great support to her and to us as a family, and we are now giving something back. The Malvern Walk is a great event, a chance to meet up with friends old and new and to know we are all doing something very special in raising money for our local hospice."

St Richard's Hospice fund-raiser Joanna Street said: "This is a wonderful annual event which is now in its 23rd year. The walk is one of the highlights of the hospice calendar and is a hugely popular fund-raising event.

"It is not only great fun for those taking part, but also the money raised makes such a difference to helping us continue with our work locally.

"The views from the Malvern Hills are spectacular and give such panoramic views over the surrounding countryside.

"It's impossible to tire of such fantastic views and is well worth the effort.

"We also want to say a big thank you to Mountainshack for their sponsorship, which has been great this year."

As well as the five and 11-mile routes, there is also a two-mile stroll.

The Malvern Sea Cadets will be on hand to cater for those who have built up an appetite, and St John Ambulance is available to support the walkers. There is no entry fee but participants are asked to donate their sponsorship money to St Richard's.

To walk for St Richard's or for more information please contact the fund-raising team on 01905 763963.