A JOINT fundraising day is being held, inspired by the courage of two Huddersfield cancer sufferers.

Two Huddersfield charities are to benefit when a fundraising walk and fun day takes place at Laund Hill YMCA on April 15.

People will be putting on their walking shoes to either Ramble4Ruddi – in aid of Ruddi’s Retreat – or do a Paddy-a-thon for Kirkwood Hospice in memory of former hospice volunteer Paddy Walsh, who died last September.

The joint event will include a 5k and 10k sponsored walk, followed by a series of stalls and activities including face-painting, donkey rides, cheerleaders and a street soccer skills contest.

Paddy’s daughters Rachel and Tara – whose mother Jill also died at the hospice seven years ago – are organising the fundraising on behalf of the Dalton centre.

Rachel, 41, of Kirkburton, said: “Both my parents volunteered there and died there of the same illness.

“The hospice has done so much for us and we are conscious they have got this capital appeal going on.

“We raised money after mum died and said when my dad was ill we will raise money for them again.

“We just want to raise as much as we can and it’s great so many of his friends wanted to do something in his memory too.”

People wanting to sign up to walk on behalf of Kirkwood Hospice are asked to register at www.paddywalsh.co.uk. To sponsor Rachel and Tara visit:

wwwjustgiving.com/paddywalsh.

Funds will also be raised to boost Ruddi’s Retreat – a charity inspired by a brave Longwood toddler.

Three-year-old Ruddi Waterworth-Jones has now been in remission for two years after fighting a rare form of cancer.

The charity was set-up by his family to provide seaside breaks for children battling serious illnesses or coping with bereavement.

It has recently purchased its first holiday home near Filey and is looking forward to sending its first family on a break after Easter.

Ruddi’s mum Ali Jones said: “We’re hoping it will be a really fun day and want as many people as possible to come along and join the walk.

“We just want to raise as much money as possible to help other families who are going through what we had to go through.

“Having a break away and being together as a family means such a lot when your child is having treatment.

People wanting to register to walk for Ruddi’s Retreat are asked to email:

ruddisretreat@gmail.com.