A WORCESTER DJ is using his passion for music to raise funds for a hospice that has touched the lives of his family and friends.

Steve Descher will take on a 24-hour DJ-a-thon at The Feathers Sport & Music Lounge on The Tything in Worcester, playing non-stop from 2pm on Saturday, 2 May to 2pm on Sunday, 3 May to raise money for St Richard’s Hospice.

Steve is a well-known figure in the local music scene, where he hosts a regular Sunday afternoon soul session. He has also compered the main stage at the Sunshine Festival for over 10 years.

Steve said: “My brother Peter was supported by St Richard’s, spending time at the hospice before he died at home. Over the years, friends have also been at the hospice, and it’s been a godsend for them. So, I’m really doing this for everyone whose lives have been touched by St Richard’s.

“They just do a flipping good job. I wanted to give a little bit back because they give so much to others.

“I considered doing a more traditional skydive or a wing walk to raise funds for them but in the end, I decided to stick with what I know and love. And I hope it brings a bit of happiness to people.

“I’ll be playing non-stop Motown, Northern Soul and disco classics to raise as much money as possible in 24 hours.”

There’ll be donation buckets at the venue during the DJ-a-thon and people can also donate online: Steve Descher is fundraising for St Richard’s Hospice Foundation.

The Feathers will be closed from 2am until 11am on Sunday, 3 May and Steve will livestream during this time.

St Richard’s Hospice is an independent charity offering free, expert care for adults with an illness that cannot be cured, and support for their loved ones and carers.

Each year the hospice team supports more than 3,000 patients, family members and bereaved people in Worcestershire.

It will cost in the region of £12m to run the hospice this year, which includes patient care and all the necessary support services.

St Richard’s relies on voluntary support, including from donations, gifts in Wills, retail and events for the majority of its income with the remainder funded by the NHS.

A WORCESTER city centre charity shop will close from Monday, 18 May for around six weeks for essential maintenance work.

St Richard’s Hospice charity shop on St Swithin’s Street must carry out essential maintenance as part of a new lease on the premises. The charity will also redecorate the inside and outside of the shop for the first time in its 11-year occupancy.

Thanks to the generous donations of the community and the dedication of staff and volunteers, the St Swithin’s shop has generated over £5 million in sales for the charity since it opened in 2015.

Danny Corns, Associate Director of Retail Operations at St Richard’s, said: “We want to make sure that our flagship shop continues to perform well, so that we can keep investing in hospice care for the people of Worcestershire.

“This work will create an improved experience for our valued customers, volunteers and staff. This will allow us to maximise the income we can generate from donated items, which in turn helps fund our care.”

Work to the shop will include installation of a much-needed new lift, which will take six weeks to complete.

While the shop is closed, donations can be taken to the St Richard’s charity shop on Mealcheapen Street, which is just a short walk away.

St Richard’s Hospice is an independent charity offering free, expert care for adults with an illness that cannot be cured, and support for their loved ones and carers.

Each year the hospice team supports more than 3,000 patients, family members and bereaved people in Worcestershire.

It will cost in the region of £12m to run the hospice this year, which includes patient care and all the necessary support services.

St Richard’s relies on voluntary support, including from donations, gifts in Wills, retail and events for the majority of its income with the remainder funded by the NHS.

WALKERS are invited to stride out across the Malvern Hills with their friends, family and pets for St Richard’s annual fundraising challenge.

The hospice’s Malvern Hills Walk takes place on Saturday, 9 May with a family-friendly two and five-mile option and a more challenging 11-mile route.

The fundraising walk has been a fixture in the hospice’s calendar since it was founded in 1984, raising funds to help the charity continue its care to patients and their loved ones.

Alison Parkes, Fundraiser at St Richard’s, said: “Walkers are treated to stunning views across the surrounding countryside and a real sense of achievement, whichever route they choose.

“There’s always a great atmosphere on the day, and we’ll be cheering everyone on as they go.

“This event is very much part of who we are at St Richard’s, and a fantastic way for the community to help raise funds that support our free care.

“We encourage walkers to raise sponsorship to help us continue supporting those in need.”

The Malvern Hills Walk is sponsored by Speller Metcalfe.

James Speller, Managing Director at Speller Metcalfe, said: “We’re incredibly proud to continue supporting St Richard’s Hospice, having worked together on a number of projects over the years.

“It’s a privilege to once again sponsor the Malvern Hills Walk, which has become such a valued and well-loved event in the community.

“The walk is a great example of the dedication and creativity the hospice shows in raising vital funds, helping ensure they can continue providing exceptional care and support to patients and their families at the most important times.”

The two and five-mile walks are circular, starting from 10am at Black Hills Car Park. Admin fee is £10 for adults and £5 for under 16s, who must be accompanied by an adult.

The 11-mile walk will see participants trek the full length of the hills from Chase End. Everyone walking the 11-mile route will be transported to the start by coach, leaving from North Quarry Car Park at 8am.

Registration for the 11-mile walk starts at 7.20am. Admin fee is £15 for adults and £10 for under 16s, who must be accompanied by an adult.

To book a place, visit www.strichards.org.uk/event/malvern-hills-walk

A HOSPICE volunteer has dedicated her latest knitted post box topper to a woman running in the London Marathon in aid of the hospice.

Kate Blance from Castlemorton will be taking part in the London Marathon on 26 April to raise funds for St Richard’s Hospice. She passes the post box in Malvern on her training runs.

The crafty knitter responsible for the topper is Mandy Harding who volunteered for St Richard’s Hospice from 2011 to late 2025. She heard about Kate’s marathon efforts from a friend at a knit and natter group.

Kate said: “It’s amazing and I feel very honoured!

“In 2018, St Richard’s provided my father with both outpatient and in-patient care, supporting not only him but our whole family with exceptional compassion and kindness. Their care is available 24 hours a day and continues through bereavement, offering comfort when it is needed most.

“St Richard’s Hospice is funded by donations, and every contribution helps them continue this vital work. This will be the first marathon I have ever run, and as I turn 60 this year it feels like a meaningful challenge to take on. I have previously run several half marathons, but this one is truly special.”

Mandy said: “The topper will stay out throughout April, until the London Marathon is over.

“I’ve added a label to it explaining what it’s about and adding Kate’s fundraising page and a QR code, so hopefully a few passers-by might donate.

“I started volunteering for St Richard’s when I stopped working full-time. Partly it was to get me out of the house and mixing with people, and partly because I have a sister who is chronically disabled with MS.

“Because we live a long way apart, I cannot support her, so I decided to support people closer to me. I see it sort of as a ‘social bank’. If I pay in here with my time by volunteering, my sister can withdraw with a local volunteer’s time where she lives. If volunteers didn’t exist all over the country, everybody’s lives would be somewhat more difficult in their hours of need.”

Kate has already raised over £2,500 for St Richard’s and has set up a fundraising page for anyone who would like to support her: www.justgiving.com/page/katherine-blance-6.

Twenty-two people will be running marathons in aid of St Richard’s in April, including 16 running the London Marathon. If you’d like to take on a challenge for the hospice, visit www.strichards.org.uk/events.

A WORCESTER woman is honouring her beloved nan by taking on a walk to raise funds for the local hospice that cared for her at the end of her life.

Elisha Porter will be joined by a large group of family and friends to walk around the River Severn on 19 April in memory of her nan, Debbie Crowther. The walk will take place the week before what would have been Debbie’s 59th birthday.

Debbie was admitted to St Richard’s Hospice a week before she died from cancer in November 2025. 

Elisha said: “She received the most incredible care, compassion, and dignity, which made her end-of-life journey the very best it could possibly have been.

“My nan was an incredibly strong and positive person, even throughout her long three-year battle with cancer. No matter what she was facing, she never let it take away her spirit or her kindness. She was not only my nan but also my best friend, my whole world.

“She continues to inspire me every day, and I hope to carry her strength, make her proud, and spread the same positivity that she always showed to everyone around her.

“As a family, we will be forever grateful for everything St Richard’s Hospice did for nan, and this walk is our way of giving something back to say thank you. Every donation, no matter how small, will help St Richard’s continue providing the same exceptional care to other families when they need it most.”

Elisha has already raised over £1,000 and has set up a fundraising page for anyone who would like to support her.

St Richard’s Hospice is an independent charity offering free, expert care for adults with an illness that cannot be cured, and support for their loved ones and carers.

Each year the hospice team supports more than 3,000 patients, family members and bereaved people in Worcestershire.

It will cost in the region of £12m to run the hospice this year, which includes patient care and all the necessary support services.

St Richard’s relies on voluntary support, including from donations, gifts in Wills, retail and events for the majority of its income with the remainder funded by the NHS.

Individually-decorated Peter Rabbit sculptures will line streets and open spaces for eight weeks in 2027, creating Peter Rabbit in the warrens of Worcester – a Wild in Art event brought to the city by St Richard’s.

The much-loved character was first imagined by Beatrix Potter in 1893, when she sent a picture letter to her former governess’ son Noel, which tells the story of a mischievous rabbit called Peter. Since then, The Tale of Peter Rabbit (published by Frederick Warne & Co. in 1902) has never been out of print and in 2027 will celebrate 125 years since its first publication!

Today’s launch reveals the follow-up to three previous hospice art trails, which saw giraffe, elephant and penguin sculptures capture hearts in 2018, 2021 and 2024. Combined, the events raised £1.2 million after costs for the care of local patients and families.

Thirty-five large Peter Rabbit sculptures will form the free art trail – running from Monday, July 12 to Sunday, September 5 2027.

The sculptures will be sponsored by businesses and brought to life with designs created by artists from Worcestershire and beyond. 

Sara Matthews, who’s leading the project for St Richard’s, said: “We can’t wait to see our fantastic fluffle of rabbits standing among Worcester’s iconic landmarks in summer 2027.

“Residents will remember how the city felt when we were joined giraffes, elephants and a happy huddle of penguins. We’re excited to recreate that magic all over again, bringing art trail goers into the city in their droves.

“We often get asked how we choose each sculpture and this was quite easy in a year which will mark the 125th anniversary of the first publication of Beatrix Potter’s The Tale of Peter Rabbit! Peter Rabbit is one of the most loveable characters in the world, charming generations with his adventurous spirit, curiosity, and just the right amount of mischief. His stories have shaped childhoods, teaching lessons about courage, kindness, and resilience – even in the face of loss.

“If there is one thing rabbits excel at, it’s snuggling close. Ever watchful and ever caring, they tuck together in cosy nests when the weather turns. Just as we do here at St Richard’s – putting our arms around patients, families and bereaved people across Worcestershire.”

The large sculptures will be joined by another 40 smaller Peter Rabbit sculptures which will be decorated by students and community groups. Local schools and groups wishing to take part will be entered into a ‘Bunny Ballot’ to secure their place in the trail.

At the end of the trail, the large sculptures will be auctioned to raise funds for the hospice’s care across Worcestershire.

Sara continued: “A variety of sponsorship packages are available for businesses to hop along with us and be part of something truly memorable for their own organisation, colleagues and family, and for the wider community too.”

“We thank everyone who has shown such enthusiasm for a fourth art trail – we wouldn’t have made it to this point without you all!”

Wild in Art, the creative production company behind Peter Rabbit in the warrens of Worcester, has brought together communities with its sculpture trails in cities around the world.

To date, its events have enabled over £30.3m to be raised for charitable causes and engaged more than 1.5 million young people in creative learning programmes.

Charlie Langhorne, Managing Director and Co-founder, Wild in Art said: “It’s great to be back in Worcester and to be teaming up once again with St Richard’s Hospice to create a new trail – our fourth for the city!

“Our events enable thousands of people of all ages to experience art by making it part of everyday life. They encourage exploration and drive footfall, creating a collective feeling of community and pride, and lead to a positive effect on the local economy.

“This new trail is a fantastic opportunity for businesses to be part of a highly visible, collaborative and captivating project that will make everyone smile.”

Peter Rabbit in the warrens of Worcester is supported by Presenting Partners Chapel & Friary Walk, DRPG, Worcester BID and Worcestershire Ambassadors, and Media Partners the Worcester News and BBC Hereford & Worcester.

The project is also supported by The World of Peter Rabbit, which is managed by Penguin Ventures, the licensing and consumer products division of Penguin Random House Children’s UK.

Natasha Collie, Head of Marketing (Owned Brands), Penguin Random House Children’s said: “We’re so pleased to be working with St Richard’s Hospice and Wild in Art on Peter Rabbit in the warrens of Worcester in 2027, a year when we’re also celebrating the 125th anniversary of The Tale of Peter Rabbit. 

“This art trail will be a real celebration of creativity, in support of St Richard’s and their brilliant work. We’re very excited for the iconic Peter Rabbit to bring a whisker of mischief to Worcester next summer!”

To discuss sponsorship opportunities for the Warrens of Worcester, call Sara Matthews, Business Development Manager, on 01905 763963, or email smatthews@strichards.org.uk

To find out more, visit https://warrensofworcester.co.uk/

St Richard’s Hospice is joining with 127 other UK hospices to highlight how gifts in Wills make hospice care possible, with one in six St Richard’s patients being cared for thanks to such a gift over the last five years.

The This is Hospice Care campaign, launching today (Monday 16 February), shows how hospices help support whole communities through their hardest days, and how people in those communities can make giving back part of their legacy. The campaign is being facilitated by Hospice UK.

“Gifts in Wills are critical to hospices like us. Every single day, someone in Worcestershire receives care that wouldn’t exist without the generosity of people who choose to support hospice care in their Will,” said Abby Holliday, Director of Business & Income Generation, for St Richard’s.

Ms Holliday continued: “A gift in your Will to a hospice doesn’t require parting with your money today, anyone can leave a legacy. And gifts of any size can make a difference.”

Carole Robins was moved to leave a gift to St Richard’s in her Will after witnessing the care given to her beloved husband, Larry, and other members of her family.

Larry, who was supported at the hospice’s Living Well Centre and at home before he died in 2024, also left a gift in his Will to St Richard’s.

And, in 2007, Carole’s uncle was supported by St Richard’s, which inspired her mum and aunt to leave gifts in their Wills to the hospice too.

“Larry loved going to the hospice,” said Carole, who volunteers at the hospice’s donations processing warehouse.

“The minute he went through the doors he would have a massive grin on his face. It was somewhere that he could be Larry.

“There were times I was lost, I didn’t know what I was going to do, but I knew I could ring the hospice and there would be somebody there to help me.

“Leaving a gift in my Will is a way for me to say thank you for everything St Richard’s did for Larry and I, and for my mum, aunt and uncle as well.”

For more information about the ‘This is Hospice Care’ campaign or to find out how you can support St Richard’s Hospice, please visit www.strichards.org.uk/gift-in-will/

The St Richard’s Hospice Snowdrop Raffle is open for entries until Tuesday, March 31, with tickets costing £1 each.

As well as the top prize, there is a second prize of £250 and a third prize of £100 up for grabs.

Laura Clarke, Campaigns Fundraiser at St Richard’s, said: “It remains a challenging time for hospices like us as we continue to face rising costs and growing demand for our care.

“Entries to our Snowdrop Raffle help us plan for the future with hope, just as the snowdrop provides a glimpse of brighter days ahead after the darkness of winter.

“What’s more, anyone who enters has the chance to win cash prizes while making a real difference to our care.”

Last year, the Snowdrop Raffle raised £32,705.61 helping the hospice continue its free, specialist care for patients with incurable illnesses, their loved ones, and bereaved people.

The draw will take place on Tuesday, 7 April. Tickets can be bought online at www.strichards.org.uk/snowdrop-raffle or from the hospice or any St Richard’s Hospice shop.

Tickets cannot be bought by anyone under the age of 18. Full terms and conditions can be found on the hospice’s website.

If you are concerned about gambling contact GAMCARE on 0808 8020 133 or visit www.gamcare.org.uk and www.gambleaware.org for additional support.

St Richard’s Hospice is licensed by the Gambling Commission.

Organised by St Richard’s Hospice, the Santa Dash will start and finish at the hospice building in Wildwood Drive, Worcester, on Sunday, December 14.

There is still time sign-up and jog the 2.5k route around Worcester Woods Country Park dressed as Santa while raising funds for the hospice’s end-of-life and palliative care.

Anyone who wants to take on a longer route is welcome to run two laps of the course.

Sofia Gunster, Events and Community Fundraising Lead at St Richard’s, said: “This is one of our favourite events as it’s such a feel-good, fun way to celebrate in the run-up to Christmas.

“We can’t wait to see our super Santas ready to take on a jolly jog while raising important funds to help us continue our care.

“Every penny raised in sponsorship will make a real difference to the lives of people across our community.”

Dance with Ellie will get participants ready with a warm-up to festive tunes in the hospice car park. After completing the dash, Santas will be rewarded with a bespoke medal and Christmas treat.

The hospice’s café, The Green, will be open selling hot drinks and breakfast baps for Santas and their support crews.

Registration for the event is from 9am and the dash starts at 10am.

This year’s Santa Dash is sponsored by Spa Decorators.

Gary Rogers, Director at Spa Decorators, said: “We’re delighted to support this fantastic event for the third year running.

“Not only is the event a great way to get into the Christmas spirit, it also raises vital funds for St Richard’s so it can continue its care to patients and their loved ones.”

Attendees who have a Santa suit from a previous event are encouraged to re-use them. However, runners are welcome to dress in any festive attire they choose.

Tickets are £16 for an adult, which includes a Santa suit. If participants already have a Santa suit, the adult ticket price is £13. Under 16s are £7, including a Santa hat, and under fours go free.

To find out more, or sign up, visit https://strichards.org.uk/event/santadash

Current and former members of the British Sugarcraft Guild poured hours into making and decorating 30 festive treats which were donated to St Richard’s Hospice in Worcester last week.

The cakes are available to buy to give as gifts or to auction, raffle or sell to raise funds for the hospice’s care of patients with an illness which cannot be cured, and support for their loved ones.

Ann Newton, who was Chairperson of the guild’s Droitwich branch before it closed in March 2024, said: “While our Droitwich branch is sadly no longer running, members are still keen to support the hospice and make Christmas cakes as usual.

“Along with members of the guild’s Stourport branch, we are proud to continue the tradition of baking, decorating and donating Christmas cakes to St Richard’s. This is our twenty-third year of doing so!

“It takes us hours of effort to craft the cakes but knowing they will help raise important funds for hospice patients and families makes it all worthwhile.”

Last year, 30 iced creations were donated by guild members and together the cakes raised £8,829.73 for the hospice’s care.

This year’s cake designs include gingerbread men, festive rabbits, mice, winter scenes and florals and much more.

Ria Simons, Corporate Fundraising Lead for the hospice, said: “Each year we are blown away by the creativity and generosity of this group of bakers, every cake is a work of art!

“While the majority of cakes have already been claimed, there is a selection left which would make a beautiful festive table centrepiece or gift for a loved one.

“We are so grateful to everyone who makes these beautiful creations to help us raise the funds we need to carry on our care.”

If you’d like to enquire about getting a cake to raise funds for St Richard’s, contact Ria Simons, Corporate Fundraiser, on rsimons@strichards.org.uk or 01905 958211.

St Richard’s Hospice reinvented its premises in the High Street into its second clearance shop which opened on Friday, November 21 at 10am.

The shop stocks clothing, accessories, toys, books and bric-a-brac which have not sold at its 20 shops across Worcestershire.

Items are on sale for reduced prices ranging from £5 and under. The lowest-priced items are available to buy individually or in a bundle of 10 for £5.

Dan Corns, Associate Director of Retail Operations at St Richard’s, said: “We’re so pleased to open our new clearance shop following the success of our first in Barnards Green, Malvern.

“And we’re delighted to continue trading in our previous shop’s premises in Stourport’s High Street.

“The clearance shop promotes sustainable shopping, reuse and recycling by prolonging the life of donated items generously gifted to our care.

“Customers can also buy some fantastic items at budget-friendly prices which have not already been sold in our other stores.

“Funds raised by our clearance shop will help us continue to provide hospice care free-of-charge to patients in Stourport and across Worcestershire.”

In July 2025, St Richard’s opened its first superstore in Stourport’s Tannery Retail Park. This expansion into a larger premises followed the success of its first shop in the town.

The hospice is appealing for volunteers to support its clearance shop, which will open Tuesday to Saturday from 9.30am to 4.30pm. To register an interest in volunteering with the hospice’s retail team, visit www.strichards.org.uk/support-us/register-your-interest-in-volunteering

There will be two moving and uplifting St Richard’s Lights of Love services at Worcester Cathedral at 2.30pm and 7pm on Friday, 21 November. The choir from Kings Hawford will sing during the afternoon service and RGS Senior School Choir will feature in the evening service.

The evening service will be followed by a procession to St Andrew’s Spire, where the Lights of Love tree will be illuminated, against a backdrop of music from the Worcester Salvation Army.

St Richard’s has held Lights of Love events in Worcestershire for more than twenty years. Anyone is welcome to dedicate a light in memory or celebration of a loved one, not only those who have a connection with St Richard’s.

Hospice Campaigns Fundraiser, Laura Clarke, said: “The festive season often sees us reflecting on the wonderful people who have made a difference to our lives, particularly those who are loved and no longer with us. We look forward to celebrating and remembering loved ones again this year.”

Mrs Clarke added: “Our Lights of Love services and switch on event hold a special place in hearts across our community. The events are free to attend, open to all, and are the perfect way to pay tribute to those we hold dear.”

The dedicated names will be displayed around St Andrew’s Spire. They will also be published in the Worcester News on Christmas Eve if you wish.

You can dedicate a light online at strichards.org.uk/lights-of-love or call the Fundraising Team on 01905 958262.

Supporters who dedicate and donate online will have the added benefit of their personal message and photo being displayed on the St Richard’s online dedication webpage.

Lights of Love is kindly sponsored by Fisher German and supported by Worcester Cathedral, Worcester City Council, Leigh Sinton Farm & Nurseries, Black Pear Electrical, Giglight, Droitwich Lions Club, Kings School Worcester, RGS Worcester, Worcester Salvation Army, Heart of Worcestershire (HOW) College.

Jason Clines, Partner at Fisher German, said:“We’ve long supported St Richard’s and its Lights of Love campaign because we know how much they mean to so many across the county.  The care and support the hospice provides to patients and families is never forgotten by those who experience it.”