WESSEX Cancer Trust’s flagship fundraising event, Walk for Hope, returns to Burley Park in the New Forest in September, and the charity is looking for 400 walkers to step out and raise vital funds for local people living with cancer.

You can do your bit by signing up to walk five, ten or 20 miles. You can do it alone or with friends and family and at your own pace, making the event perfect for supporters of all ages and abilities.

Rachel Billsberry-Grass, Wessex Cancer Trust’s CEO says Walk for Hope will be extra-special this year:“This is our fifth Walk for Hope and it’ll be a poignant day; both because we turn 40 in July and because we’re so thrilled we’ll be able to come together again in person after last year’s virtual event.

"The peace and beauty of the New Forest make it a fitting setting to give hope to friends and family undergoing cancer treatment, to remember loved ones and to support everyone affected. If you prefer, you can still do the Walk for Hope your own way, from home. If you’d like to dress up in 80s clothes to help celebrate our 40th birthday we’d love that too. Please join us to make our 2021 Walk for Hope the biggest and best yet! And if walking isn’t your thing, there are plenty of volunteering opportunities available – from laying out signage to handing out water and snacks.”

Philip Dinn from Brockenhurst walked ten miles as part of a group from New Forest Rotary at the 2020 event and raised £500. Philip was supported by Wessex Cancer Trust’s Waterside support centre after being diagnosed with a rare form of blood cancer.

He said: “Taking part in Walk for Hope over the years has really helped me focus on getting well during my recovery period.”

Sign up for the Sunday September 26 event at wessexcancer.org.uk/event/walk-for-hope-2021/