A team from Stock N Lock Self Storage in Worcester, England, is participating in a walk-a-thon fundraiser on Aug. 6 to benefit St. Richard’s Hospice, an independent charity for patients living with life-threatening illnesses. Ryan Kemili, business manager for the storage facility, as well as Toni Hodges-Moore, assistant manager, and Ian Miles, director, will participate in the 21-mile Waterways Walk. The circular, flat route begins at the Droitwich Marina and follows the Droitwich Canal to the River Severn, and then loops back along the Worcester-Birmingham Canal.
Participants can also choose a six- or 10-mile walk, and dogs are welcome. Registration fees are £10 for adults and £5 for children under 16.
Stock N Lock, which supports a different charity every year, chose St. Richard’s after Kemili’s grandfather received care from the organization last year. “This had been an eye-opening episode for me, realizing and understanding all the services a hospice offers both their patients and their loved ones,” Kemili said. “It was a humbling experience being able to visit St Richard’s last year, and see just how fantastic the facilities are and witness the great attitudes of the staff. The hospice makes such a difference in so many people’s lives.”
The storage company’s owners have matched all donations generated by its three walkers, bringing the tally to more than £1,000. “We are all really excited and have been overwhelmed by the support of our customers, families and friends,” Kemili said. Donations are still being accepted at Justgiving.com/fundraising/RyanKemili.
Now it in its eighth year, the Waterways Walk is just one of the fundraisers promoted by St. Richard’s. The group also hosts cycling and running events as well as lunches and dinners. The charity supports more than 3,000 patients each year.
Stock N Lock is in the Venture Business Park off Weir Lane. The facility comprises 44,000 square feet of storage space in 680 units, which are individually alarmed and monitored with closed-circuit television, according to the company website. Additional offerings include electricity in some units, forklift services, package acceptance and delivery, and WiFi. The facility also offers records storage and outdoor vehicle storage.
