A KIDDERMINSTER trainee accountant was part of a group of co-workers to take part in a 10 kilometre run full of obstacles, hills, mud and water to help raise money for St Richard’s Hospice.

Grace Hewitt, 20, of Droitwich accountancy firm Ballard Dale Syree Watson, took on the Major Series run as a team with Amy Procter Nicholls and Laura Barnwell, helping each other to complete the gruelling course.

Ms Barnwell said: “It was fantastic to be able to enjoy the run but also to raise money for such an important local cause.

“Although what we went through was very difficult, it pales in comparison to the challenges that some of the patients at St. Richards have to deal with every day.”

Bill Ballard, managing partner of the firm, encouraged the girls to take part, while the company sponsored them in their efforts.

He added: “Team building exercises are essential to productive departments and so I was delighted that Laura, Amy and Grace decided to take part.

“Raising money for a local charity just made the whole event all the more worthwhile.”