THE national fundraising bonanza that is Sport Relief kicks off today (Thursday) with the launch of the 2012 website — and the organiser of the West Devon event is urging people to get planning their contribution to the big day.

David Hocking of Lydford has raised around £30,000 in the three years he has been running Sport Relief in Okehampton — and this year's event, on Sunday, March 25, is forecast as being bigger and better than ever.

Dave said: 'Last year Okehampton had the distinction of having the largest number of entries on the day in the country — more than in any city.

'We had people pouring in to register — I think they like the sound of Okehampton, the fact it is a safe and relatively flat route. We had people coming from as far away as Taunton to run here.'

David said West Devon Olympic hopeful and Commonwealth medallist Gorgs Geikie has already pledged to take part in the event at Okehampton, and he is hoping to attract other prominent sportsmen and women.

'Andy Vallance of Okehampton Running Club, as part of his marathon training, is going to run 24 miles, by doing the six mile run four times,' said David, who is hoping lots of local sports clubs, of all types, will register for Sport Relief this year.

'I would particularly like to try and get businesses and places of work to get involved, to just come and have a bit of fun, enter a team, get dolled up in fancy dress.

'Clubs, charities and organisations will also be able to have stalls to promote themselves — it's all part of making it a huge, community effort.'

The Sportrelief challenge will take place in the grounds of Okehampton College and Simmons Park. The running route will be circular, and participants can register to run one mile, three miles or six miles.

The runs will take place at 11am, noon, 2pm and 3pm. During the lunchtime break there is to be a world record breaking challenge, details to be announced in due course. Registration is at 10am with the day finishing at 5pm.

Funds raised by Sport Relief go to support poor and disadvantaged people throughout the UK and abroad.

It has been backed by many prominent personalities, including Eddie Izzard, who ran an astonishing 43 marathons in 51 days, and David Walliams, who swam the Channel. His challenge for Sport Relief 2011, to swim 140 miles along the River Thames between September 5 and 12 was announced today.

David Hocking said: 'Watching the incredible undertaking by Angela Rippon and the others in Africa last year inspired me to keep organising this event in Okehampton for Sport Relief.

'It never ceases to amaze me how giving we are in this country. The bit we do in Okehampton goes a long way and it shows the commitment of people in West Devon, the strength of community that people are willing to get involved and have a great day at the same time.

'Two things I particularly remember from last year, was the couple in their 70s who just walked the mile, holding hands, and then gave me a cheque, and a little girl, who did it dressed as a gold star.'

And a memento of Sport Relief Okehampton is actually displayed at the charity's headquarters in London.

Last year, David invited everyone involved in the event to write a message on a 30ft long banner. There were many profound words contributed, the final one being 'I love Sportrelief — and cheese'!

l To register for Sportrelief in Okehampton this year, go to the website http://www.sportrelief.com">www.sportrelief.com

Individuals, clubs, organisations or charities who would like any other information about taking part in the event should call David Hocking on 07899 916959.