FUNDRAISERS are being given the opportunity to hand cash over to sporting legend Ian Botham when he passes through West Devon next week during his biggest ever charity walk.

Britain's most famous cricketing all-rounder set off from John O' Groats on October 11 and aims to complete the walk to Land's End in 34 days.

Next Tuesday he will walk through Bow, Okehampton, Thorndon Cross and finish the day's 27-mile walk from Crediton at Bratton Clovelly.

The following day Mr Botham will pass through Broadwoodwidger and Liftondown.

Dubbed 'The Finale', this is his eighth and last long-distance charity walk and the second time he has walked from 'top to toe'.

The walker hopes to raise more than £1-million for the Leukaemia Research Fund (LRF.)

Local fundraisers who wish to donate to the cause are being invited to hand cash over to Mr Botham and his crew en route.

Katherine Morley from the Leukaemia Research Fund said: 'We hope the crowds will be out on the streets of

Okehampton cheering Ian along.

'He has had loads of support all down the country. It is really nice to see people support him on his last ever push.

The walk has been co-ordinated by former Tavistock Comprehensive pupil Duncan March due to his expert training in the Royal Marines.

From route planning to organising food and rest stops, establishing communications by satellite to the official walk website and briefing police, the co-ordination has been a massive undertaking for the 28-year-old who has been appointed as project manager by the LRF.

Mr March is urging the public to support Mr Botham and perhaps hold fundraising events to coincide with his trek.

The former cricketer has covered 3,380 miles during his charity walks, averaging £1,000 a mile raised for the LRF.

Leukaemia is the most common cancer in children, accounting for about half of all childhood cancers.

Since the beginning of the LRF, the survival rate has increased dramatically for children with the most common form of childhood leukaemia — acute lymphoblastic leukaemia — from two per cent to 80 per cent.

Approximate times Mr Botham will be arriving in the area are as follows: On Tuesday, November 9, Bow (11am) Okehampton (1.30pm), Bratton Clovelly Church Square (3pm), Wednesday, November 10, Liftondown (noon.)