The sun shone on Shipley today as hundreds of hikers set out on a fundraising walk for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Walkers gathered at Bracken Hall, Baildon, for the Shipley Stride, a Telegraph & Argus-backed event which has raised £106,925 for the charity since it began in 2002.

Jim Thornber, 79, who helped form the Shipley Stride committee, said: “People will look out and see the sun and think it’s a good day to go out and do this.

“It’s suitable for children and older people, it’s for anyone and everyone.”

He said a lot of people wanted to support Macmillan because of their own personal experiences with cancer.

“I think a lot of the walkers are people that have relatives that have cancer or have died from it,” he said.

Peter Boocock’s wife Chrissie died of lung cancer in March. Twelve members of his family were doing the Stride as a thank you to Macmillan, who supported Chrissie when she was ill.

“They were wonderful,” he said.

The family has raised £680 with a collection at Mrs Boocock's funeral, and a donation from her uncle who lives abroad. With sponsorship from the Stride they hope to bring their total to £1,000.

Macmillan fundraising manager for Bradford, Mandy Child, said: “The turnout has been amazing and lots of people are still registering on the day. The support has been fantastic, it is a local event, a small walk and it's just a friendly, happy atmosphere and a really nice vibe.

“The volunteers have been amazing.”