A cancer patient is determined to complete the Shipley Stride to thank Macmillan nurses who have helped him through his fight against a brain tumour.

Raif Hasan had hoped to take part in the annual fundraiser at Shipley Glen last year but his health forced him to pull out of the 5.5 mile circular walk.

Now the 51-year-old dad-of-two, who is the longest serving Prince's Trust volunteer in Bradford, plans to stride out with hundreds of other fundraisers on Sunday to boost funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Mr Hasan was forced to give up his job as a youth worker after he was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2004.

He has since undergone major surgery, to remove two thirds of the growth, and radiotherapy.

"Macmillan really helped me," said Mr Hasan, of Shipley. "I used to be in tears. You can't explain everything to your closest family members because you don't want them to go into destructive mode.

"You don't want them to get scared so it helped to talk to someone else. The Macmillan nurses are absolutely top notch - it was really appreciated."

Mr Hasan benefited from sessions with Macmillan nurses who have provided reflexology, massage and general support.

Despite losing his vision for four days just two weeks ago, he has vowed to complete the Stride.

"When you go through all this, another person comes out of yourself," he said. "It's a massive change within your life, who you are and how you see things and you appreciate everyone around you. It's the internal power within that comes out."

Mr Hasan said his wife, Julie, 49, and teenage sons, Ashraf and Faheem, have been a tower of strength as well as other family and friends and colleagues.

More than 400 people have now signed up for this year's Shipley's Stride.

But it's not too late to join the annual sponsored walking event at Shipley Glen to raise vital funds for Macmillan Cancer Support in Bradford.

The Stride, backed by the Telegraph & Argus, attracted more than 700 walkers in 2006.

Macmillan Cancer Support fundraising manager Emma Lavelle-Wood said: "Not only will you be getting healthy exercise in the fresh air but you'll also be helping us raise money for the Macmillan nurses so we can assist all the people and their families who need our support in Bradford.

"A cancer diagnosis can have a devastating impact, not only on the person who is ill, but also on their family and close friends. Macmillan wants to be able to offer its services to everyone who needs them."

The Stride starts outside Bracken Hall Countryside Centre and is suitable for all ages and abilities and lone walkers are welcome.

Walkers will receive a pedometer courtesy of nPower and can buy an exclusive Walk Wonders 2007 Tshirt to wear on the day.

To take part, complete the registration form and return it to the Bradford fundraising office, call Emma Lavelle-Wood on (01924) 232440 or visit www. macmillan. org. uk/walk.

email: fiona.evans @bradford.newsquest.co.uk