When widower Jim Anderson steps out for the Macmillan nurses' Shipley Stride he will be doing it in memory of his wife who died two years ago.

Mr Anderson, 75, says that without the help of the Macmillan nurses the experience of losing his wife Margery to lung cancer would have been unbearable.

"Everybody talks about death as soon as you mention cancer. The Macmillan nurses are different, they talk about living with cancer," he said.

Mr Anderson has joined the Macmillan nurses in their appeal for people to take part in a fun sponsored walk from Shipley Glen to Faweather Grange on Ilkley Moor and back, on Sunday, May 23.

"Last year a whole range of people took part in the walk, including cancer patients who walked with their nurses," said Michelle Norcliffe, fundraising manager for the Macmillan nurses.

The Shipley Stride will cover five miles, and this year is being backed by the Telegraph & Argus.

Mr Anderson described the fear he and his wife felt when she was first diagnosed with cancer as "agonising".

But he said that after meeting their Macmillan nurse, both he and his wife felt they had nothing to fear because they knew exactly what to expect.

"The nurses have so much experience of the illness that they are able to describe exactly what to expect and they are very calm about it.

"Once we had spoken to them we decided not to let cancer rule our lives and we just carried on as normal until Margery became very ill," he said.

Mrs Anderson died aged 78, after a two-year battle with cancer.

When her condition deteriorated she was admitted to St Luke's Hospital.

"Despite being very ill and having suffered with major weight loss my wife was laughing and joking right up to the day before she died and that is how I will remember her," said Mr Anderson.

"She was a wonderfully spirited woman and we had 40 blissful years together."

Mr Anderson was a steward at last year's Shipley Stride and is taking part again this year. "I would like to appeal to the people of Bradford to get behind this very worthwhile campaign.

"The day is packed full of fun and everybody is in high spirits and at the same time we are raising money," he said.

Companies, schools and groups are being urged to step into action too.

Groups of walkers will be accompanied by team leaders from the Millennium Volunteers.

Last year the appeal raised £6,750 and 200 people took part.

"Four in ten people will develop cancer at some stage in their life and this figure demonstrates the need for more resources," said Miss Norcliffe.

The route is part of the Millennium Walk of Bradford and is suitable for walkers of all abilities.

Walkers can set off between 10am and noon.

To take part, complete the attached form and return it to the Bradford Appeal Office.

The registration fee for the walk is £3 for adults, £1 for children and a family pass for two adults and two children is available for £6. Senior citizens can register for £2.