FAMILIES and walkers of all ages are being invited to take part in a nature walk around Bridestowe on June 21 to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support and Plymouth's Derriford Hospital's Oncology Unit.

The walk has a choice of six or eight-mile routes and will enable participants to take in spectacular views of some of the finest scenery in West Devon.

The event is being organised by local tree surgeon David Hocking, who hopes to recruit more than 250 walkers.

The walk will start at 11am at Bridestowe's White Hart with BBC Radio Devon's Morwenna Hortop as the celebrity starter.

It will take a circular route to finish at the same venue where there will be a range of food and drink on offer. There will also be a special church service at nearby St Bridget's Church from 9.30am for any walkers wanting to attend.

David, who organised the Sport Relief Mile in Okehampton last year, chose to organise the latest event because of his own cancer experience.

He said: 'I wanted to say thank you to Derriford's Oncology Department and to Macmillan nurse Maggie Jarvis for the fantastic support I received from them. I want to put something back to help others who follow in the future.

'In early 2008, my voice began to get croaky. My wife encouraged me to see a doctor and I was diagnosed in August with a tumour on my larynx. I went through six weeks of radiotherapy and this led to lots of weight loss because I wasn't able to eat properly.

'But the tumour was growing smaller and then, in March this year, the specialist confirmed that I no longer had cancer.

'From diagnosis to the all clear was just seven months. The relief for my wife was huge, as it was for my mother, who had herself overcome bowel cancer.

'Slowly but surely the toxins from my treatment have left my body and I have been able to get back to work. I've had to take it easy and learn to listen to my body when it says it is time to give up for the day.

'Of course, I wouldn't want to go through it again, but I know that we are very lucky to have these wonderful people working some amazing pieces of medical kit and I'm very grateful to them for being there.

'The most important thing is that if you have any concerns get them checked out early on. This gives you the chance to really stop cancer in its tracks.'

Alex Folkes, fundraising manager for Macmillan Cancer Support, said: 'David's is an inspiring case and he is being incredibly generous in organising this walk because he wants to give something back.

'I have seen some of the route and it is truly beautiful. It will be a great day out for families and anyone interested in seeing more of our local countryside.'

l As well as the walk, there will be a range of activities on the day, including a photo competition, a nature quiz and a competition for children to spot red wooden tractors placed around the route.

Photographic entries can be made in advance by contacting David on 01837 861376 or 07899 916959 or by emailing [email protected]">[email protected] or on the day at the White Hart at Bridestowe. Entry costs £4 for adults and £2 for U16s.

The event has been sponsored by the White Hart Inn, Sisters Hair and Beauty in Tavistock and Brian and Angela Coward of Leaward Estate, Bridestowe.

Anyone who cannot take part in the walk but who wants to send a donation should send a cheque payable to 'Leafy Lanes' to David Hocking, Dingley Dell, Watergate, Bridestowe, Devon, EX20 4EX.