Hadrian's Wall Team Present Cheque to University's Charity of the Year

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The Hadrian's Wall Walk last month saw trekkers cover 85 miles from Segedunum, near Newcastle, to Bowness-on-Solway, to the west of Carlisle in just over 72 hours.

The trek was in aid of the University's chosen Maggs Day Centre and raised including gift aid £6,848.12.

The Maggs Day Centre continues to be the University's Charity of the Year until the end of 2016.

Michael Connor, Volunteer Co-ordinator and Development Manager at Maggs Day Centre, a Worcester-based charity that helps the city's homeless, said the money would go towards activities and educational opportunities not just for the homeless but those on the edges of society.

He added that the charity had seen a spike in donations coinciding with the event.

"We wouldn't normally get as much money coming in over the last couple of months," he said.

"Whether we're seeing this because of the publicity that this has generated we can't be sure, but it has got to be useful. The money we value, but this challenge has also raised awareness."

University of Worcester Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive David Green, said: "All of us at the University of Worcester are very proud of our colleagues and those working at The Hive who showed such spirit and determination in completing the Hadrian's Wall challenge for a wonderful cause.

"We know how important the work done at the Maggs Day Centre is and we are delighted that the money raised will go towards helping some very vulnerable people."

Nearly half of the 38-strong team managed to complete the Hadrian's Wall Walk challenge, walking between 12 and 14 hours a day.

Nine teams took part from a range of departments; facilities, finance, the University of Worcester Arena, health and society, communications, and the University and Worcestershire County Council's joint library The Hive, as well as Maggs Day Centre.

They were supported by members of University's security team and Sports Therapy students and a recent graduate.

Chats Harris, a library services assistant at The Hive, said: "It was fantastic. It was just the team spirit and camaraderie, the way we all did it together for a good cause.

"We didn't want to let down people that had supported us."

Liz Davies-Ward, Acting head of the Institute of Science and Environment, said: "Physically it was hard but mentally it was hard trying to walk for that length of time.

"There were many moments when it was really tough so then we set small goals."