THE annual Leafy Lanes walk, which sees fundraisers walk through the Devonshire countryside to raise money for Derriford’s Oncology Outpatients and Chemotherapy unit, will have a change of venue this year.

Leafy Lanes invites walkers and non-walkers alike to join in the family friendly event, which offers a choice of three and six mile routes through quiet roads, lanes and moorland.

The walk, which was started in 2009 by tree surgeon David Hocking, will this year see a change of location, starting and finishing at The Bearslake Inn, Sourton rather than the Fox and Hounds Hotel at Bridestowe.

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.

He added: ‘We raise around £2,500 each time we arrange the walk, in total that equals around £20,000 that we have raised for the Oncology unit at Derriford Hospital so far.

‘Usually around 350 walkers and their dogs turn up to enjoy the wonderful West Devon countryside. This year my special guest is Wendy Box from Hampshire and the official starter is Tabitha Toms from Whitestone near Exeter. This year’s walk is being dedicated to the helpers and marshals.

‘A long time ago I held my first charity event, it was around 27 years ago for Tavistock Hospital and we helped them buy a heart monitor.’

He added: ‘People do the most amazing things, one man carried a 50kg barrel of beer on his back and ran 8 miles. People all want to say thank you to the oncology unit for the care of their friends or family and the ways in which people thank that unit is incredibly important.

‘They have never had pals of the Oncology unit before. I would like to see as many people there as possible if they can take some time out of their lives. I would also like to thank all of the sponsors The Bearslake Inn and Sisters Hair and Beauty Tavistock – I just turn up and tell them I’m doing it again, can I have your money!?’