WITHOUT doubt the majority of us start the new year promising ourselves to try new challenges in the year ahead, so why not do something different and raise money for charity?

St Richard’s Hospice has launched its fund-raising challenges for 2011 and there’s something to suit everyone.

Senior community fund-raiser Alison Parkes said: “Whether it’s to get yourself kick started into more physical activity or push yourself outside your comfort zone – St Richard’s has something to fit the bill. Go on, just do it.”

Fund-raisers choose all sorts of ways to challenge themselves and raise money.

You can always shave your head, wax your back, row across the Atlantic or climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Whatever you choose to do, St Richard’s can produce sponsorship sheets, fund-raising ideas, posters, flyers and give you plenty of support.

For more information or to register visit strichards.org.uk/ events or call the fund-raising department on 01905 763963.

To be inspired by last year’s events, view the videos on youtube.com/hospicesrh

NEW FOR 2011

􀁥 The Ultra Challenge. Saturday, May 7. Feeling fit? Then join the Malvern Hills Ultra Challenge.

Walk or run 52 miles individually or as a team of three in relay. The event is a test of endurance with some navigational skill required.

Starting from Top Barn at Holt Heath, you will go through Worcester and onto Upton-upon- Severn then across to the Malvern Hills. Conquer the Worcestershire Beacon, head to the Teme Valley and home. Individuals need to raise a minimum of £300. Teams of three must raise a minimum of £750.

􀁥 Cheddar to Glastonbury Trekathon. Saturday, July 30.

Twenty-six miles (there is a halfroute option). Hilly start amidst the Mendip Hills, heading south through the city of Wells before finally turning west on flatter farmland to Glastonbury. £49 registration fee, plus a suggested fund-raising target of £100.

Organised by Discover Adventure.

􀁥 Hadrian’s Wall Weekend. Friday, September 9, to Sunday, September 11. Organised by Discover Adventure. Start Lanercost Priory, trek 50 miles over the weekend. £49 registration fee, plus £220 to cover costs and minimum sponsorship of £330, or a minimum of £550.

ON YOUR BIKE

􀁥 Bikeathon. Sunday, April 17. Set off on either a 15, 30, 45 or 60-mile route, starting and finishing at St Richard’s Hospice. The route heads out through beautiful south Worcestershire countryside mainly on cycle routes towards Defford, Ashton-under-Hill and Pershore.

Kindly sponsored by Midland Communications.

􀁥 London to Paris. Why not join the London to Paris challenge on a selection of dates this year.

RUN, RUN, RUN

􀁥 Scenic Six. Get your trainers on for the 10th Scenic Six on Sunday, April 10. A six-mile, multi-terrain run around Peopleton and a twomile fun run/walk. Call CAMBA events on 0121 358 4483 or e-mail camba.events@btinternet.com.

􀁥 Marathons: If you have a place in the London Marathon or other endurance events, consider raising funds for St Richard’s Hospice.

LET YOUR FEET DO THE WALKING

􀁥 Malvern Hills Walk. Saturday, May 21. This popular annual walk is suitable for all the family with two, five or 11-mile routes.

Fantastic views. Perfect for all fitness levels. Event sponsored by Mountainshack.

􀁥 Worcestershire Way Walk.

Friday, June 24. Can you walk 31 miles in a day? This dawn to dusk walk goes from Bewdley to Malvern with fantastic views to enjoy. Limited places. Event sponsored by Lear Group.

􀁥 The Waterways Walk. Sunday, August 14. This event raised more than £30,000. Walk the flat 21-mile circular route from Droitwich along the Droitwich Canal and river Severn. Event sponsored by Droitwich Spa Marina.

􀁥 Midnight Walk. Saturday, July 9.

For ladies only. Dress up, get sponsored and join in this five or 10-mile midnight walk around the streets of Worcester. Event sponsored by Hewett Recruitment.

􀁥 Tackle the Three Peaks Challenge. Can you complete the three highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales in under 24 hours? If you are a fit and experienced walker who can raise sponsorship of £500, get in touch.

Mountain training is essential.

Visit thethreepeakschallenge.co.uk.

ADRENALIN RUSH

􀁥 Skydive. Saturday, August 6. Are you a daredevil? Then why not join a St Richard’s group skydive day at Hinton Airfield, in Northamptonshire. Raise £395 and do your tandem skydive for free.

􀁥 Abseil. Sunday, August 7. Join the St Richard’s abseil down the 141ft Abberley Hall Clock Tower.

£25 entry fee. £50 minimum sponsorship required.

􀁥 Woofs and Wellies Walk. Sunday, February 6. Bring your dogs to Hanbury Hall, near Droitwich, from 10am. Choice of walks.

Owners £10, children and dogs free.

Event sponsored by MacArthur, Barstow and Gibbs Veterinary Practice.