BIG-HEARTED fund-raisers laughed and smiled their way through a walkathon in aid of the severely disabled.

More than 50 people with disabilities took to Pitchcroft last Saturday in aid of Worcester Snoezelen Centre in Turnpike Close, St John’s, Worcester.

The centre provides activities and respite for more than 400 clients per week and relies on donations to provide subsidised sessions. The volunteers managed to break the 200-mile barrier, with one group walking to Droitwich and back.

Among the walkers was Hazel Ledgerwood, aged three, who has cerebral palsy and is registered blind – and who only took her first independent steps a few weeks ago.

She walked a mile for the charity – the equivalent of a finishing a marathon for an able-bodied adult.

Jane Roberts, centre manager, said: “We couldn’t be prouder of what Hazel has achieved and all for such a worthy cause.”

The annual May event is aimed at getting people out of the centre and tackling challenges at their own pace and organisers believe they have raised about £2,000 this year.

Mrs Roberts said: “The centre is about what our clients can do, and not what they can’t do.

“We are delighted with the support and kindness so many people have shown.

“We also feel incredibly proud of everyone who’s taken part.”