SPRING will soon be bursting out all over for staff at Hanbury Hall - midway between Bromsgrove and Droitwich - who are raring to welcome the coming season's buds and blossoms with a Spring Walk - to celebrate the new life of cancer survivors.

The hall is set to be the beautiful venue for the Cancer Research UK Spring Walk on April 9 and supporters are being invited to join staff for a 5km or 10km stroll around the inspiring views of the country estate at this National Trust gem.

Some will be walking in memory of relatives, others to celebrate the lives of the many survivors of cancer.

Property secretary Angela Band, who lives in Droitwich, is joining the walk. She said: "I will be walking in memory of my great aunt and also to celebrate the many survivors of this disease"

The hall's visitor services manager, 26-year-old Becky White, who lives at the hall, said: "There can't be many people whose lives haven't been touched by cancer. I will be walking to support the goals of Cancer Research UK."

While house steward, Michelle Hill, 27, who also lives at the hall, said: "We all know someone who's been affected by this disease. Anything that raises awareness, or funds for research has to be a good thing."

Registration for the Sunday walk is £6 for adults, £3 for children, and though it is not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs, dogs are allowed. Participants are being asked to raise at least £50 in sponsorship, to achieve a target of £15,000 to fund research at laboratories at the Institute for Cancer Studies, at Birmingham University.

Miranda Williams, Cancer Research UK community fundraiser, said: "One in three people develop cancer. More than 400 people are dying from cancer every day in the UK - but research means that more are surviving. Why not be a part of a really great day out: together we can make a difference, and change lives for the better."

l Editor Alan Wallcroft is also planning to join the 10km walk and is seeking the sponsorship support of readers in order to help him raise valuable funds for cancer research as it is something he strongly believes in and supports.

Alan, along with his wife Val, were both diagnosed with cancer last year. Alan has a rare form of bile duct cancer, while his wife, who recently finished a course of chemotherapy, is being treated for breast cancer.

"It's mainly family, friends and working colleagues who knew of our situation but I am quite happy for others to know if it will help me raise funds for vital research work along with others taking part in the walk.

"Like many others I too have lost family and friends to cancer and I will be walking in their memory."

If anyone would like to support Alan for the 10km walk with sponsorship you can send cheques - made payable to Cancer Research UK - to Hanbury Walk, Bromsgrove Advertiser/Messenger Series, 5 High Street, Bromsgrove, B61 8AJ, or drop in your donation in person.