More than 4,000 people took part in yesterday’s Walk of Worcestershire from the Three Counties Showground to Worcester Racecourse to raise money for Acorns Children’s Hospice.

Reporter Elizabeth Sweetman was one of those taking part.

WALKING across the finish line just over three-and-a-half hours and 10.5 miles after leaving the Three Counties Showground was one of the biggest achievements of my life.

As the cheering crowd welcomed us back to Worcester the aches and pains – and there were a lot of aches and pains – vanished mom-entarily and, to be completely honest, I felt rather chuffed with myself.

Not only had I walked 10.5 miles, something I’ve never done before, but between us my fiancé and I raised £130 for Acorns Children’s Hospice.

It was a wonderful feeling to talk to people and realise how much every little bit helps the charity and the families who use it.

When we arrived at the Three Counties Showground at about 8.30am, the atmosphere was buzzing with the excited chattering of the hundreds of people who had already arrived, ready and willing to take part. One of those taking part was 39-year-old Kelli Turrall, whose daughter Millie Pearson died in April, aged 15, at Acorns hospice. Millie suffered from cerebral palsy.

Ms Turrall said: “It’s just raising awareness for me about how important Acorns is for families of children and the children who use Acorns.

“It’s really emotional to see all these people here doing it for children like ours. Some of them have no connection to Acorns, they’re doing it because they think it’s a fantastic cause.”

Cayla Carter, 11, uses Acorns and was very excited to be starting the walk.

Her mum Rosemary said: “I’m just really grateful to everyone who’s taking part.

“We get to see what services and help Acorns provide so we know for each person here that the money and sponsorship they raise will be turned into really important, practical help. I’m very, very touched that people have given up time to walk, it’s just lovely to see such kindness.”

Acorns chief executive David Strudley paid tribute to those who took part and to Free radio, which organised the event.

He said: “I’m so excited. There’s always a slight nervousness about doing something for the first time but we’re so delighted Free chose us.

“We’re continuing to take referrals from more and more children and that means we must, must continue to raise more funds.

“Days like today are just magic and make such a difference.”