A Bishops Castle woman is lacing up her walking boots for a charity hike in memory of her late father next month.

Cathy Booth, who will be putting her best foot forward to raise money for the Bloodwise charity in the annual Bishop’s Castle Round and About Walks on Saturday, May12, will be dedicating the challenge to her father, Geoff, who died 20 years ago of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Geoff fought for three years against the disease, walking four miles to the hospital and back each time he received chemotherapy. He then had an unsuccessful bone marrow transplant, and lost his life aged 61.

Since her father’s death, Cathy says she had completed numerous sponsored walks with her friends Helen and Jacqui, and the 9.5 mile ‘Amble’ of the Round and About Walks is her next challenge.

"This disease has an emotional and lasting effect on family members, so I’m delighted to support Bloodwise at the Round & About Walk," she said.

"I have taken on several sponsored walks for the charity in the past, all in the hope that one day we will be rid of all blood cancers."

The Round and About Walks involve routes of three different distances – the 9.5 mile ‘Amble’, the 13 mile ‘Scramble’ and the 22.5 mile ‘Ramble’.

Walk organiser Jean Shirley said: "The routes cover some of Shropshire’s most beautiful and remote countryside, including the Walcot Estate which is usually closed to the public. You don't have to seek sponsorship, as we gain funds through entry fees, £18 including free transport as needed and a hot lunch. By taking part in this event, you’ll help us fund ground-breaking research into blood cancers. Last year, we raised nearly £8,000 to help the 38,000 people diagnosed every year.

"We’re incredibly grateful to Cathy, her friends and everyone who can join our walk to beat blood cancer. We have some great supporters, including Lorraine Gray who last year raised £1500 in memory of her husband and this year will be volunteering as well as walking the whole 23 miles!"

More information on entering the walk can be found at www.bloodwise.org.uk/round-and-about