EVERY step fundraisers take through the countryside around Lydford for the Leafy Lanes charity walk on Sunday May 27 will help people visiting Derriford Hospital's oncology department.

Organiser David Hocking is appealing to people of all ages to join one of the walks to raise money to help fight cancer and lighten up the hospital's waiting rooms with bright paintings.

David said: 'Last year's walk was such a success, and having the support of so many people makes you realise all the hard fundraising work is worth it.'

There are three routes to choose from — three, six and nine miles —starting at 11am at the Fox and Hounds, Bridestowe. The walks are along quiet roads and moorland in the Lydford and Bridestowe countryside.

Well behaved dogs are welcome, and children and adults alike can enjoy the red tractor spotting games along the way.

People can register on the day from 10am. Registration is £4 for adults, £2 for under 16s and £1 per dog.

The walks are to raise money for the Pals of Plymouth Oncology, Outpatients and Chemotherapy (POOCH). The charity was founded by David and cancer sufferer Laura Washer, who was the special guest at last year's event.

At the 2011 walk, the pair discussed at how there was no charity to support the oncology department in Plymouth, and decided that together they would co-found POOCH.

The Leafy Lanes walks are one part of a wider fundraising effort for the organisation.

David said: 'We have had a huge amount of support from everyone. Friends of Laura's from HMS Raleigh have run in the Tavy half marathon and a number of half marathons, all for POOCH.

'We have also received a wonderful donation of a signed painting from Mr Cook, Beryl Cook's husband. The donation came out of the blue, and it shows the depth of respect for the work going on at the oncology department.

'We would love to hear from artists in the region if they would kindly donate paintings or sculptures to be auctioned for POOCH later this year.'

POOCH are not only fundraising for patient positioning support systems for the department, but also for art to help brighten the mood in the hospital.

They have commissioned Devon artist Laura Wall to paint some pictures for the waiting room at the oncology department, and for Derriford's Woodcock children's ward.

David said: 'Laura has been hard at work on these paintings, and I can say from what I have seen, they are absolutely brilliant. One of the paintings is of Dartmoor, the Fox and Hounds and the area, and one is of Plymouth Sound, the Wilcove Inn and iconic buildings. They are very colourful and amusing.

'Laura has been more than generous with the pricing but it is still a lot of money to find, and I am grateful and touched by the donations still coming in.'

David expressed thanks to everyone who has supported POOCH's fundraising, including the Wilcove Inn in Torquay, Steven Hill, the Kessenyan Singers from Torquay, and to the Fox and Hounds Inn and Sisters Hair and Beauty in Tavistock for their sponsorship of the walk.

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.