EVERY step organiser David Hocking takes along the way of the Leafy Lane 2011 charity walk on Sunday, May 15 will be the Lydford man's way of saying a 'big thank you' to all at Derriford Hospital oncology department.

He is appealing to people of all ages in West Devon to join the walk, enjoy a beautiful Sunday stroll and at the same time raise money to help fight the disease that has tragically touched the lives of so many.

Last year more than 200 walkers took part, helping to bring the total raised for charity to more than £4,500. This year David is hoping for an even bigger turnout.

There are three routes to chose from — three, six and nine miles — starting (at 11am) and finishing from the Fox and Hounds in Lydford.

The walks along the quiet roads and 'leafy lanes' around the Lydford and Bridestowe countryside take in some splendid views of the River Lyd and the moorlands. People can register for the event on the day from 10am.

Well behaved dogs with owners are welcome, all the walks are marshalled and signposted and Army cadets from Okehampton will be on hand if first aid is needed.

Suitable footwear is required. Children are invited to look out for six red 'cut out' tractors that David has placed along the route.

Registration is £4 for adults, £2 for under 16s and £1 per dog.

This is the third such Leafy Lane Walk David has organised.

On August 8, 2008 David, a tree surgeon, noticed he had a 'croaky throat' and soon began to lose his voice — after one visit to a Tavistock doctor he found himself, just two weeks later, at Derriford Hospital having an endoscopy, with a pipe stuck down his nose, after being diagnosed by specialist Mr Bridger with cancer of the larnyx.

To say it was a shock to the system was an understatement, especially as the disease is more commonly associated with smokers. He then had to have six and a half weeks of intense radio therapy.

David, 55, told the Times: 'I was told that less than 2,000 people in the country each year, who have cancer of the larynx, are non-smokers, such as myself.

' Thanks to the wonderful team of the oncology department at Derriford the treatment has been totally successful. Instead of the five years it normally takes before they can be sure the cancer has not returned Mr Bridger has signed me off after just three years.

'I cannot stress how important it is that if you feel something is not quite right then go to your doctor right away. If you catch these things at an early stage you have a hugely, improved chance of it being caught and treated. The message is simple — "do not delay".

'We are so fortunate to have some fantastic NHS staff with some terrific kit but they need our support. I have a favourite saying — "A dripping tap will always fill a bucket" — meaning every penny counts.

'This walk is my way of giving thanks, not just by me but all those who follow in being treated now and in the future.'

David is grateful to the Fox and Hounds Inn and Sisters Hair and Beauty, Tavistock, for their sponsorship and to Bridestowe Parish Council for nominating him for a West Devon mayoral community award for his charity work.

The monies raised will go to Linac support and positional equipment — used in the radiotherapy department.

For details, entry and sponsorship forms contact David on [email protected]">[email protected] or call 07899 916959. Donations and cheques made payable to 'Leafy Lanes' can be sent to David Hocking, East Down, Lydford, Okehampton EX20 4BP.