A WALK which has raised £15,000 over the last six years for people with cancer will be officially started this Sunday by 13-year local resident Hazel Coward, who made a very special visit to the Oncology Department at Derriford Hospital recently.

The Leafy Lanes walk, which takes place around Lydford and Bridestowe, is in aid of Pals of Plymouth Oncology Outpatients and Chemotherapy Department (POOCH).

Hazel, from Bridestowe, who is a student of Shebbear College, was the guest of Pals of POOCH co-founder David Hocking when she visited the Oncology Department at Derriford Hospital.

David himself was a patient in 2008 and forming Pals of POOCH was his way of saying 'thank you' to the staff for the treatment he received.

In total he has so far raised £65,000 for the unit and this money has been used to purchase specialist equipment such as patient positioning systems for the radiotherapy department. It also pays for staff members to educate and raise awareness in schools as early diagnosis is key to a better recovery.

Hazel told the Times: 'We were shown around the department by the deputy manager of the radiotherapy unit, Cathy Luffman, who stressed that radiotherapy itself is quick and painless, however, it is the preparation of a patient that is time consuming.

'The exact area to be treated has to be identified in a CT scanner with pinpoint accuracy to avoid damage to healthy tissue.

'With the availability of chemo and radiotherapy, the prospects for people suffering with cancer these days is pretty good.

'What is less well known is the effect on a person's personal life. This may involve their relationships, self-esteem or their finances and Plymouth provides a lot of back up with counsellors, complimentary therapists and nutritionists to aid recovery.

'I found the day an education, both shocking and reassuring. I was mostly struck by how the staff want to ease each person through each stage of their treatment and the astonishing attention to detail.

'Cancer is harrowing but with departments like this one aided by charities like POOCH, more people are have a fighting chance of a longer, more normal life after diagnosis.'

See Page 20 for an advertisement about the Leafy Lanes Walk.