VETERAN fundraisers are lacing up their hiking boots for their 20th walk.

Huddersfield Cancer Support (HCS) celebrates its 20th anniversary this year.

The charity, which is based at Peregrine House on Brooks Yard, off Market Street, helps people with cancer and their families.

And four of the group’s fundraisers plan to take part in the Examiner Charity Challenge – which is also celebrating its 20th anniversary. Margaret and David Revitt and Audrey and Bob Todd will take part in the seven-mile sponsored walk.

This year’s event on May 17 includes three sponsored walks, three bike rides, a horse ride, a buggy and wheelchair push and – for the first time – Nordic walking.

Thirty charities have already signed up to be part of the charity challenge, including HCS, Kirkwood Hospice and the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

HCS secretary Margaret Revitt said: “It means we will have taken part in all the charity challenges. We always enjoy the stunning scenery and the organisers do a wonderful job in planning these events.

“We’d like to appeal to the general public to walk for us this year to help make our 20th anniversary year extra special. Like many other charities we’re finding it more difficult to keep funds coming in to cover our rent and running costs, which are £12,500 a year.”

The Examiner Charity Challenge takes place on Sunday, May 17 from Meltham Sports and Community Centre on Mean Lane. There will be routes to suit all ages and abilities.

Walkers can choose between a four-mile and seven-mile route. And, to celebrate the challenge’s 20th anniversary, there will be a 20km (12.5 mile) walk.

The first ever four-mile Nordic walking route will involve walking with poles. This type of event has proved popular on the continent.

Cyclists can choose between rides of seven, 17 and 24 miles and there will also be a 12-mile horse ride. The challenge will also feature a two-mile pushchair and wheelchair route starting at Blackmoorfoot Reservoir.

Several groups help make the Examiner Charity Challenge possible.

Huddersfield Lions choose and organise the four-mile and seven-mile walks, while the Holmfirth and Meltham Lions co-ordinate the wheelchair and pushchair route at Blackmoorfoot Reservoir. Denby Dale Lions will organise the cycle routes while CTC Cycle Club is advertising the event nationally.

Colne Valley Lions will marshal the car park at Meltham Sports and Community Centre and the Bridleways Group will co-ordinate the horse ride. Kirklees Countryside Volunteers will organise the special 20km walk while Kirklees Countryside Unit will co-ordinate the Nordic walking.

Meltham Cricket Club will supply refreshments on the day while Raynet will supply radio links at each checkpoint. Holme Valley Mountain Rescue and St John’s Ambulance will be on hand in case there are any problems.

The Examiner is dealing with the paperwork and will ensure charities receive their sponsorship money after the event.

For more information on the charity challenge call Mr Armitage on 07802 900 653 or email ejarla@tiscali.co.uk.

To learn more about HCS call 01484 683 064, email huddersfieldcancersupport@ukonline.co.uk or visit www.huddersfieldcancersupport.org.uk.