A SPONSORED walk held in memory of an Alvechurch teenager who died of leukaemia has raised more than £6,000 towards Acorns' fund-raising appeal to build a new children's hospice.

More than 70 people took part in the Michael Edwins Memorial Walk as a tribute to the 19 year old who lost his battle with leukaemia four years ago.

The walkers, including Michael's family and friends, started their 18-mile route from the village and went to Bromsgrove and Redditch before returning to Alvechurch.

The walk raised £6,219, which will now go towards buying equipment and furniture for the adolescents' common room in the new hospice, being built in Worcester.

The 10-bed unit will offer respite, emergency and terminal care for 250 life-limited children and young people across the three counties of Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire.

It will include a hydrotherapy pool, multi-sensory rooms and family rooms as well as facilities for young children and teenagers.

The new hospice will also provide a base for the charity's community team, which offers round-the-clock practical and emotional support for families.

The project will be completed next month and will welcome families early next year.

Michael's father, David Edwins, said: "We've had a lot of support from Acorns and we wanted to do something to make sure Michael was not forgotten, as well as help raise awareness of the new hospice."

"We are delighted with how much the walk has raised and would like to say a big thank you to everyone who took part and the many local companies who also sponsored the event."

To find out more about Acorns' new children's hospice appeal or to make a donation, call 01905 767676 or visit www.acorns.org.uk