The Newport Macmillan Mile is back this Sunday – and organiser Alan Smallman has made a passionate plea for support.
Mr Smallman admits that this year’s annual walk around the Newport canal basin has been hardest to organise since its launch in 1993.
He said that all charities have struggled to encourage enthusiasm since the recession.
Now he is pleading with residents to turn out and raise money for a worthy cause.
He said: “Around one in three people may need the support of Macmillan at some stage.
“The Macmillan Mile has raised thousands of pounds.
“For 10 years it was the charity’s biggest walking event in the Midlands. We really need people to join in.
“If nothing else, the canal is lovely at this time of year with the swans and the flowers. We have a great time and it’s a chance to meet people.”
The easy walk takes place at 2pm, meeting at the basin.
The theme this year is Dickens’ characters and walkers are encouraged to turn up in fancy dress.
Mr Smallman said his own battles against cancer inspired him to support Macmillan.
“I had cancer three times over a nine year period,” he said.“Nobody wanted me except for the fishing club and Macmillan.
“So I said when I get through this I’ll have to do something – and I did.”
By Sean Wozencroft