STAFF from a Worcestershire law firm have raised vital cash for charity through a fundraising challenge.

Trainee solicitors Nicola Pearce and Katie Morris, as well as legal assistant May Patel from Thursfields branches, entered the Thames Path Challenge to raise money for St Richard's Hospice in Worcester.

Both Nicola and May, from the Kidderminster branch, completed the walk earlier this month although Ms Morris, from the Solihull office, has to pull out after falling ill during the day.

Despite this the trio have managed to raise more than £1,000 for the charity, and there is still time to donate by visiting justgiving.com/fundraising/thursfields-solicitors1.

Ms Pearce said: “The walk stretched from Runnymede near Windsor to Henley-on-Thames in Oxfordshire – the equivalent of walking from Thursfields’ offices in Kidderminster to Solihull.

“It was exhausting but really fulfilling and we have been thrilled at all the messages of support from friends, family and colleagues.

“We want to thank everyone for their generous donations which will go towards building even better facilities at St Richard’s Hospice, which plays such an important role in the local community.”

The money raised will go towards the hospice’s Build 2020 appeal for the final £1.4m needed to build a bigger hospice, enabling more patients and families to be cared for. The total cost for redeveloping the existing building in Wildwood Drive, Worcester, is £5.3m.

Tricia Cavell, fundraising director at St Richard’s Hospice, said: “Nicola, Katie and May did an incredible job taking on the 50 kilometre challenge and have raised a fantastic amount for our Build 2020 Appeal.

“Every penny raised is going directly towards the appeal, helping us build a bigger hospice to care for more patients and loved ones.

"We truly appreciate this amazing effort by the Thursfields’ team.”