THE annual Leafy Lanes Walk is striding from strength to strength through West Devon and will explore the countryside around Lydford and Bridestowe this Sunday. Leafy Lanes invites walkers and non-walkers alike to join in the family friendly event, which offers a choice of three, six and nine mile routes through quiet roads, lanes and moorland. The Leafy Lanes Walk was started in 2009 by tree surgeon David Hocking. Having recovered from cancer of the larynx, David wanted to raise funds to help others who suffered from cancer. David donated the money he raised from the 2009 and 2010 walks to Plymouth Oncology Outpatients and Chemotherapy department, but still wanted to do more. Along with Laura Washer, who he met while she was undergoing chemotherapy, David founded Pals of Plymouth Oncology Outpatients and Chemotherapy (POOCH) in 2011. David said: 'Laura was an incredible woman who lived life to the full and never once complained about cancer.' Sadly Laura died in October 2013, but not before she and David had raised more than £30,000 for Derriford Oncology department and gained recognition and support for POOCH throughout West Devon. All monies raised by POOCH have gone directly to Derriford's radiotherapy and chemotherapy departments to buy specialist equipment. Although David's fundraising has achieved his initial intentions, he discovered that he has accomplished far more than this. David, who hopes record numbers will join in this year's event, said: 'I recognise that I have not just helped cancer sufferers and the hospital staff who work with them. I have also created a way for people who want to help and support those who are fighting cancer to do so. 'I am very proud of what I and Laura have achieved and we never imagined we could do so much in such a short time.' The walk will start at 11am at the Fox and Hounds Hotel at Bridestowe. Amber Williams is this year's official starter and Hollie Sampson is the guest speaker. Registration costs £4 for adults, £2 under 16s and £1 per dog. All are welcome. If you would like to raise further funds for POOCH by being sponsored for the walk, sponsorship forms are available from David on 07899 916959 or [email protected]">[email protected]