‘Show your support for victims of cancer’

10:25pm Thursday 15th May 2008

People are being urged to take advantage of the expected sunny weather on Sunday to raise money for charity.

Organisers of this year's Shipley Stride have issued a final plea for the people of Bradford to join the event.

More than 400 people have already signed up to take on the 5.5-mile challenge in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. And it is hoped the same amount again will turn up on the day with their walking shoes and picnics.

The walk starts from Bracken Hall Countryside Centre in Baildon every half hour from 10am and participants are expected to finish by 4pm.

The event will be particularly poignant for mum-of-two Linda Norton, 47, of Eccleshill, Bradford, who will take part in memory of her parents, who both died of the disease. The walk falls on her mother's birthday.

Linda, who has supported the event for the past few years, is urging people to walk to remember their loved ones while raising money to help cancer victims and their families.

She said: "It makes me feel like I have achieved something. It is a great day, it is wonderful to see children joining in as well and it takes in beautiful countryside.

"I think it will be quite a nostalgic day. It is my mum's birthday and I will be doing the walk in her memory so it will be emotional. I will just be thinking of her."

Also supporting the day will be Rais Hasan, 52, of Shipley. Mr Hasan underwent major brain surgery to have a tumour removed and is now a driving force behind the annual event.

Community fundraiser Charlotte Stern said: "By taking part in the Shipley Stride and raising money through sponsorship you will be enabling Macmillan to deliver the best possible care to people affected by cancer."

Lone walkers are welcome and experienced walk leaders will be available for those who would like to join a group.

To register for the event, supported by the Telegraph & Argus, fill in the form, go to macmillan. org.uk or call (01924) 232440. It costs £5 for adults, £4 concessions, with children free.

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