TEAMS paddled, plodded and pedalled across Worcestershire’s countryside to raise an impressive amount for a county hospice.

And the fundraiser was extra special for a fundraising Worcester couple, who are now planning a wedding.

More than 120 people took part in St Richard's Hospice's Paddle, Plod and Peddle Challenge that saw teams, including from Worcestershire Royal Hospital and Lloyds Bank, paddle in bell boats travelling a 35 mile circular rout along the River Avon from Pershore to Tewkesbury.

The team members then walked from Tewkesbury to Kempsey, and took to the saddle to pedal the remainder of the route back to Pershore, where they received a medal and refreshments.

Overall the fundraiser staggeringly managed to raise more than £17,000 towards hospice care.

The challenge was even more special when participants Gemma Barker and Tom Clement, from Worcester, announced their engagement.

Miss Barker said: “I didn’t expect the proposal.

"It was my birthday and the day of the Paddle, Plod and Pedal so I was a little pre-occupied with turning 30 and getting myself mentally prepared for the challenges of the day.

"It was lovely to share the news with everyone."

Jayne Sargeant, community fundraiser at St Richard’s Hospice, said: “The Paddle, Plod and Pedal is no easy feat but it’s a great team builder.

"For a few participants, this was the first time they had ever taken part in anything like this and to finish with beaming smiles was fantastic to see.

"To discover we had an engagement on the day was the icing on the cake.”

St Richard’s Hospice provides free specialist palliative care for patients living with life-threatening illnesses and supports their families.

For more information please visit strichards.org.uk