MEMBERS of the North Herts Methodist Church circuit will be stepping up their work for charity with a sponsored walk tomorrow (Good Friday). The charities to benefit will be The Comet special beds appeal for the Sue Ryder Care home at Stagenhoe Park and t

MEMBERS of the North Herts Methodist Church circuit will be stepping up their work for charity with a sponsored walk tomorrow (Good Friday).

The charities to benefit will be The Comet special beds appeal for the Sue Ryder Care home at Stagenhoe Park and the Udobo School in South Africa.

The walk will start and finish at Benington Methodist Church at Hebing End, a mile outside the village, and take in a 12km - about seven-and-a-half miles - loop around the village. The start will be at 2pm with signing in from 1.30pm. There will be free food and tea/coffee at the end.

Last year's walk raised a record amount of more than £3,400, and the aim is to improve on that. To do this the organisers are appealing for more walkers, or support through sponsorship.

Anyone wishing to take part can just turn up on the day and enjoy the scenery and wildlife. Boots or suitable footwear are essential.

Sponsor cards and further details are available from Chris Bryant on 01462 636191 or Brian Burgess on 01438 237748.

* MARISSA Jackson of Franklins Road, Stevenage, raised £50 for The Comet appeal by making jam and marmalade which she sold to members of her flower club at the Stevenage Floral Arts Society.

Marissa knows the Sue Ryder Care Home well as she and her husband used to caravan at Stagenhoe Park.

Sue Ryder fundraising manager Barbara Burnett said: "All the staff and residents of Stagenhoe would like to thank Mrs Jackson for taking the time and effort to raise this money for us. It is a lovely example of how individuals can help. We really are very grateful to her."

THE Sue Ryder Care Special Bed Appeal is this year's Comet-backed charity.

The home needs specialist beds and chairs to enable its residents - most of whom are at the home long term - to live as normal and comfortable a life as possible.

Each bed can cost up to £2,500 and a chair up to £3,000.

You can play your part in our appeal by raising much-needed cash. The Comet will be happy to publicise your event or fundraising efforts.

Call The Comet newsdesk on 01438 866200 or email editorial@thecomet.net

For details about Sue Ryder Care log on to www.suerydercare.org