GET ready to pull on your walking boots and help Cancer Research UK raise money for research by joining the Chepstow March on Sunday 29th March.

Coupled with the charity's ambition to accelerate the research progress and beat cancer sooner, local people are being urged to also stride forward in their community and raise as much as they can to increase survival rates.

Lorraine Owen, from Chepstow, who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in September 2013 is urging people in the local area of Chepstow and Bristol to take part. 

Lorraine said: "After a short illness I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in September 2013. Like a lot of women I was sadly unaware of the major symptoms of ovarian cancer and other health conditions had made the diagnosis difficult.

"After cancer had been confirmed I underwent major surgery in October to remove the growth. My surgeon informed me afterwards that the cancer was advanced giving me a very low chance of long term survival.

"Devastatingly, my partner at the time decided he didn't want to continue our relationship and I was left completely alone to face the cancer and the treatment.

"The progress in cancer treatment has been massive in the last few years and research is the reason I am alive.

"For Cancer Research UK to continue its work the charity needs your support.

"If communities get behind this charity to walk and raise the money, we can make a real difference."

The sponsored walk, which starts at the Offa's Mead Academy in Sedbury has two distances - approximately 4km from Sedbury, and then around the town and 8km which takes in an additional leg along Offa's Dyke where there are kissing gates and stiles. Dogs on leads are welcome but not in the school grounds. There are places of interest and great views along the way.

Maria Parker, Cancer Research UK's local fundraising manager, said: "We are indebted to the volunteers who are helping to organise this walk and we hope as many people as possible will sign up as it will be a great day.

"Every moment counts in the fight against cancer, and every step we make relies on the generosity of the public so I encourage everyone to step up to the challenge and help people like Lorraine and step out on March 29th."