IT'S the day when hundreds of people from across Hampshire put their best feet forward for charity.

On June 25, a massive fundraising drive is being staged in Dorset for the charity Leukaemia Busters, based in Southampton.

The annual A Purbeck Odyssey is a marathon walking event staged on some of England's most dramatic and picturesque coastline.

Walkers can choose distances ranging from a four-mile stroll around historic Corfe Castle to the huge 30-mile One Step Beyond challenge which runs the length and breadth of the Isle of Purbeck from Norden via St Aldhelm's Head, Swanage and finally, back to Norden.

Individuals, families and groups are all welcome to take part in the Odyssey, which aims to raise thousands of pounds for research into safer and more effective treatments for children with leukaemia.

Signed up

So far, about 160 people have already signed up but organisers expect more than 500 to take part in the walk on June 25.

The story of the annual Purbeck Odyssey began in 1999 when Leukaemia Busters staged its first fundraising walk then dubbed The Lighthouse Challenge in Dorset.

The walk proved so popular, organisers decided to switch venues from Weymouth to the Isle of Purbeck in 2001, when it was renamed A Purbeck Odyssey.

Last year alone, 428 walkers raised more than £23,000, bringing the total raised since 2001 to more than £118,000.

Among the many hundreds taking part this year are Hampshire schoolgirl Annabelle Beaumont.

Annabelle, now nine, was diagnosed with leukaemia three years ago and had to undergo years of gruelling chemotherapy before doctors declared her clear of the disease.

Annabelle decided to take part in A Purbeck Odyssey along with an army' of 50 friends and relatives. Teachers at Knightwood Primary School in Chandler's Ford, where Annabelle is a pupil, are also taking part in the massive fundraising effort dubbing themselves "Annabelle's Army".

They have even printed up matching T-shirts paying tribute to the schoolgirl's bravery.

It is not the first time Annabelle's family has taken part in the challenge.

Last year, her mum Jane, 44, dad Mark, 42, and members of her immediate family raised about £1,000 for Leukaemia Busters.

A New Forest school is also sending a team of seven teachers to June's mammoth fundraising effort.

Staff at the Hordle Walhampton School near Lymington are hoping to raise about £200.

Head teacher Henry Phillips said: "They are taking part for several reasons. They think it is a good cause and because we encourage healthy lifestyles.

"The school is very conscious of the privileged position it is in. I am delighted that these seven are walking at Corfe Castle. It is a children's charity and we like supporting them. It is a local charity and we like supporting local charities as well."

Mark Rees charity administrator for Leukaemia Busters said: "The purpose of 2006, A Purbeck Odyssey, is to invite walkers to raise as much sponsorship money as possible for funding research that explores the use of antibodies to selectively target leukaemia cells.

"Leukaemia Busters aims to develop safer and more effective treatments for the 25 per cent of children who currently have incurable leukaemia.

"It is very much hoped this will eventually lead to a cure for those children who desperately need our help. Time is not on our side."

PACE YOURSELF

Walkers can choose from five routes on A Purbeck Odyssey. These are: Castle Walk four miles A circular family walk around Corfe Castle, right.

Whale Walk seven miles Take the steam train to Swanage to begin your walk along part of the coastal path passing St Aldhem's Head, below, to Chapman's Pool, right, before heading inland back to Corfe Castle.

Purbeck Voyage 19 miles A challenging walk from Corfe Castle to Ulwell and Swanage, then along the coastal path to St Aldhelm's Head and Chapman's Pool before heading inland back to Corfe Castle.

One Step Beyond 30 miles A challenging walk that will stretch the more enthusiastic walker. From Norden park-and-ride you will walk the length and breadth of the Isle of Purbeck, along inland paths and following the coastline, returning to Norden on foot for a well-deserved rest.