A CANCER charity is turning to its supporters to step up for a 2,500-mile walking challenge - with the help of former Saints manager Harry Redknapp.

Wessex Cancer Trust has asked people to walk the distance between its support centres in Hythe, Chandler's Ford, Bournemouth and Isle of Wight, 20 times over.

It is part of the charity's annual Walk for Hope, which was originally due to be held in the New Forest in June. It had to be cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

On Sunday 6 September, walkers will come together virtually to clock up the target mileage as a team by completing 20 laps of a route which links the charity’s four support centres.

Hampshire residents can do their bit by signing up to walk five, ten or 20 miles, either by themselves or with friends and family, at their own pace and wherever they choose.

Charlotte von Sicard, Wessex Cancer Trust’s regional community manager, said: “Many of our Walk for Hope participants have or have had cancer, so although social distancing measures are easing, we know it’s still a really anxious time for some people and we didn’t feel it would be responsible to plan for a large gathering.

"Even though our walkers can’t be together physically this year, we’re still all in this together, so Walk for Hope is the perfect way to unite and work as a team to cover 2,500 miles! Last year 300 people took part and together they raised £50,000 which has made a huge difference to the lives of local people. Please help us to complete 20 laps around our support centres and make 2020 the biggest and best Walk for Hope yet."

King of the Jungle and Wessex Cancer Trust’s patron, Harry Redknapp, said: “It’s been a tough few months for everyone, but cancer doesn’t stop and throughout the pandemic Wessex Cancer Trust has kept its services going for anyone who needs it. This is despite not being able to raise money by holding outdoor events.

"Walk for Hope is normally its biggest fundraiser so it would be fantastic to see as many people as possible out walking in their local areas. Let’s raise as much money as we can for people who really need it.”

You can register at www.walkforhope.co.uk and set up your fundraising page. You can also link your Strava or FitBit to it.

There’s a fundraising leaderboard to help people monitor their progress and compete with friends and family. Registration is £10 with a fundraising goal of £100 per person.

Entrants receive an official Walk for Hope t-shirt, a fundraising pack, a training and event guide, and membership to a Facebook group to share fundraising tips.

Wessex Cancer Trust plans to use the money raised to provide practical and emotional support to anyone living with cancer in Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight.