AFTER 20 years at the helm of the Rosemere Cancer Foundation, chief officer Sue Thompson is taking the charity’s 20 Years Anniversary Appeal to raise £1.5 million in her stride.

Today (Thursday, August 17) will see Sue embark on a 140-mile sponsored walk to raise money for the appeal, which launched in March to celebrate 20 years since the opening of Preston's Rosemere Cancer Centre.

Her journey is to start at Furness General Hospital, Barrow-in-Furness and will take in Westmorland General Hospital, Kendal, and the Royal Lancaster Infirmary as well as several other hospitals, ending on Wednesday, August 23, at Burnley.

En route, Sue will walk for up to nine hours a day to complete the trek’s longest stages, which are between 24 and 26 miles.

She will also have to tackle terrain from Lakeland fells to moorland and coastal footpaths as she spans the whole of south Cumbria and Lancashire – Rosemere Cancer Foundation’s heartland and the region served by the Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust centre, which is based at the Royal Preston Hospital, and provides all the area's radiotherapy among other specialist cancer treatment.

Sue said: "Over the years, my job has brought me into contact with health professionals doing the most wonderful work and with members of the public, many former cancer patients, who have left me humbled by their efforts to raise money for Rosemere Cancer Foundation. Their combined spirited drive to help those affected by cancer unites the region.

"In this special anniversary year, to respond with my own challenge is the least I can do, although right now, I must admit, the prospect of it feels a bit daunting!"

Along the way, Sue will have a variety of walking partners to spur her on. Joining her for her first day will be Neil Townsend, chief executive of CancerCare.

From day three as she walks the 24 miles from WGH to RLI she will be joined by consultant oncologist Dr Gerry Skailes.

To sponsor Sue, visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/SueThompson14

For more, visit www.rosemere.org.uk