A gentle stroll or brisk walk in the picturesque Norfolk countryside will be raising funds for a cancer charity.

On Saturday, May 21, hundreds of people will be taking part in the annual Big C charity's Walk of Thoughts in Fritton Lake, near Great Yarmouth.

The six-mile walk in the tranquil grounds of the Somerleyton Estate will help Big C invest in medical equipment, nurses and research, and help it provide advice and support to cancer patients in Norfolk and Waveney. People of all ages are being encouraged to take part in the walk, which will give participants time to remember loved ones who have succumbed to the disease or who are fighting it.

At the end of the walk there will be a tree of dedication where poignant messages can be left for loved ones.

One of those taking part will be Big C volunteer Colleen Alp, 64, who lives by Fritton Lake. She became a volunteer after her husband Steve died two years ago from brain cancer.

It will be Mrs Alp's first Walk of Thoughts and, despite suffering from an arthritic knee, she is determined to walk the six miles in memory of her husband and to help raise sponsorship money for the charity close to her heart.

Mrs Alp said: 'I think that a chance to remember loved ones in such a beautiful location is a brilliant idea.

'The walk in Fritton Lake is simply stunning and really makes you feel closer to those not with us any more.

'I really do hope people take this opportunity to support this poignant event.' People can take dogs on the walk if their pets are on a lead and Mrs Alp will be taking her mini schnauzer Sebbie on the six-mile route.

Big C was formed in 1980 and has raised �14m to help the fight against cancer. It has helped fund research at the University of East Anglia and the charity has set up a family cancer information and support centre at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. Nick Lane, Big C spokesman, said: 'The walk has been designed for participants to remember loved ones that have been lost or are currently living with cancer as they stroll around the beautiful banks of Fritton Lake.'

To take part in the Walk of Thoughts visit www.big-c.co.uk/walkofthoughts, or call Jessica Bygrave on 01603 619900 or email jessica.bygrave@big-c.co.uk

anthony.carroll@archant.co.uk