TAKE steps to help improve the lives of people affected by cancer by taking part in Macmillan Cancer Support s annual charity walk in Fairlands Valley Park, Stevenage. The three-mile sponsored walk on Sunday, May 16, is suitable for all ages, and there is

TAKE steps to help improve the lives of people affected by cancer by taking part in Macmillan Cancer Support's annual charity walk in Fairlands Valley Park, Stevenage.

The three-mile sponsored walk on Sunday, May 16, is suitable for all ages, and there is also a six-mile route for those feeling more energetic!

Walkers are invited to take a picnic to enjoy in the park after completing the walk, and why not challenge yourself to reaching the top of the climbing wall at Fairlands before you set off?

Couple Kerry West and Gareth Grant take part in the walk every year, with Gareth opting for the six-mile route this year and Kerry deciding to take their children Madison and Louie on the three-mile walk.

Kerry said: "Taking part in the Macmillan walk is an amazing way to give something back to such a wonderful charity.

"It's a great day out and we look forward to it every year.

"Madison, who is five, has been asking when the walk is for months and is very excited that this year she can take part with her baby brother.

"Macmillan Cancer Support does such a wonderful job it really is an honour to take part in this walk."

Macmillan is dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by cancer, with practical, emotional and financial support.

The charity can currently only reach one in two people, but the money raised from this walk will help fund the vital posts and services needed to help Macmillan achieve its ambition of reaching everybody affected by cancer.

Carla Poole, Macmillan fundraising manager, said: "Macmillan healthcare professionals are working hard every day at the Lister Hospital in Stevenage, and in the community. They also work closely with the Garden House Hospice in Letchworth, and have strong links with all GP surgeries in the area. "With over two million people in the UK now living with cancer, the need for Macmillan's services is greater than ever before, this is why we need your help. "When you walk for Macmillan you really will enjoy a fun family day out, knowing that you're making a difference to the thousands of people affected by cancer."

To register for the walk, which starts at 11am, visit www.macmillan.org.uk/walk and select the Fairlands Valley walk, or call the Hertfordshire fundraising team on 01438 712012. Registration is �7.50 for adults and free for children.

Alternatively, complete the registration form printed in this week's Comet and send it with the fee to Macmillan Cancer Support, Hertfordshire Fundraising Office, 12 Prospect Place, Welwyn, Hertfordshire, AL6 9EN.