Beefy's walk begins

BEEFY'S GREAT BRITISH WALK
For more information visit
www.bothamwalk.com

Sky Sports' Sir Ian Botham has kicked off another of his charity walks by proving that the public CAN make a difference.

The Sky Sports man was in Taunton at the launch of Beefy's Great British Walk - his latest venture in aid of Leukaemia Research.

Botham will be joined by a host of sports and showbiz stars, as well signed-up members of the public as he pounds the footpaths in nine towns across the United Kingdom.

Click here for details | Click here for route

It will be the 12th charity walk he has led but this time he says the results are there for everyone to see.

"This is what drives us on," he said. "When we first did the walk in the mid-80's there was a 20 per cent chance of survival and I'm pleased to say it's now up around 87 per cent - and that is quite remarkable in 20 years.

"The research is done all over the country, so it's a big pat on the back for these people.

"The people in the high street should be aware that their donations, generosity and support has magnificent fruition and it's all coming to a head. If we can cap one form of cancer then who knows what other doors will open?"

In the past Botham and his team have used public roads but due to the popular demand they have had to adjust the format.

But with nine towns from Taunton to the finish at Durham, including Milngavie in Scotland and Llandudno in Wales on his route, he believes it will still capture the hearts and minds of the British public.

""This one's a little bit different because the public have always said they wanted to join in but logistically it was impossible on the roads," he said.

"The response has been fantastic from the public. I think it's going to be a lot of fun.

"A lot of hard work as well, but it's going to be very beneficial to the charity."

We will be bringing you regular updates from Beefy's Great British Walk, as well as how to get involved, or simply sponsor the event...

Get involved with Beefy's Great British Walk

Sponsor Beefy
Donating through is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor: Leukaemia Research will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28 per cent in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.
Click here for more information

Donate by text
Text BEEFY to 82540 to donate now. Use your mobile and text to donate now. Text messages cost £3.00 each with approx £2.04 going to Beefy's Great British walk. For each text message sent, a bounce back message will be received.
Click here for more information

Join the fundraising
Explore our fundraising section and see how you can maximise your fundraising total and have fun at the same time! To make it as easy as possible, whether you are walking or not, we've got some great fundraising advice and examples to motivate you. .
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Join the walk
Beefy is looking for people to join him on any one of the nine days' walking. We are looking for 200 people per day, a total of 1,800 and are encouraging a minimum sponsorship of £250 per person. So if you want to take part in one of Britain's best fundraisers, be quick.
Click here for more information

The Route

Day One - Taunton, October 10
Starting where it all began, this 4-mile is along the River Tone and Bridgwater and Taunton Canal to finish back at the cricket ground.

Day Two - Windsor, October 11
The pastoral landscape of the Great Park offers the perfect location in which to join Beefy on his 8-mile walk.

Day Three - Tunbridge Wells, October 12
Penshurst Place and Gardens is a truly great English house and garden and is a fantastic location to join Beefy on his 6-mile walk.

Day Four - Bury St Edmunds, October 13
Ickworth House nestles in 70 acres of formal Italianate gardens and pleasure grounds. Join Beefy for a 7-mile walk through stunning parkland.

Day Five - Stratford-Upon-Avon, October 14
The balustraded formal garden of Charlecote House opens on to a fine deer park where Beefy will lead this 4-mile walk.

Day Six - Llandudno, October 15
Explore the fantastic north coast of Wales with this 7-mile walk along the promenade between Rhos-on-Sea and Abergele.

Day Seven - Harrogate, October 16
Set in the beautiful Skell Valley, Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal is Yorkshire's first World Heritage Site and the backdrop for the 4-mile day.

Day Eight - Milngavie, October 17
Beefy will be completing a five-mile walk through the Mugdock Park taking in wonderful views of the Campsie Hills and Mugdock Reservoir.

Day Nine - Durham, October 18
Beefy will lead this 7-mile walk through the grounds of Beamish Museum to the finish at Durham's ground, where his cricket career also ended.