by Leicester Mercury | Posted: 30 July, 2011
Fund-raisers are being asked to pull on their walking boots to help raise £25,000 for a hospice.
The LOROS Walk on the Wildside will take place in September, when sponsored ramblers will stroll through Bradgate Park and Swithland Wood.
Organisers from the hospice in Groby Road, Leicester, said about 250 people have already signed up – but they are looking to recruit 1,000.
Anne Cousins is one of the walkers set to take part and is urging other to join her.
The 46-year-old, from Mountsorrel, entered LOROS herself last week because she has life-threatening cancer.
She said the hospice had also been a massive support to her during her mother Doris Ward's terminal illness.
Mrs Ward passed away in January last year at the hospice, after being diagnosed with small cell cancer just six weeks earlier.
Anne said: "LOROS is absolutely the most amazing place in the world.
"Without the wonderful staff I would be a different person.
"I know my cancer is terminal but they have helped me think differently.
"I can face the facts without being scared and I would not be here without them.
"If anyone out there can take part in the walk and raise much needed funds to help LOROS, they should."
Anne has also had the support of the Rainbows Hospice in Loughborough.
Her 19-year-old son Stephen, who suffered with cerebral palsy and brain condition hydrocephalus, passed away there in March 2009.
She said: "Despite having my mum at LOROS, and being at Rainbows so much over the years, of course I was nervous about coming to LOROS myself.
"I had all the wrong ideas. I thought I would never leave if I came, but while I know I'll be back, I'm due to go home soon.
"I was in terrible pain at home, sleeping for four or five out of seven days.
"I thought if I came to LOROS I would be put on morphine just sleeping my days away – I couldn't be more wrong.
"I haven't felt this good in a long time and it's all thanks to this place."
Anne's cancer, which initially spread to her lungs and liver, has begun to take over the rest of her body.
She said: "They can't make you better but they can make you comfortable and happier.
"If Mercury readers can take part in the Walk in the Wildside that would be brilliant. Money makes such a difference."
The 12-mile walk starts at 9.30am on Sunday, September 18, and a six-mile route begins at 10.30am.
Both walks start from Severn Trent Visitor Centre in Bradgate Road, Cropston.
There will be a barbecue, stalls and cheerleaders on hand to entertain walkers.
To take part, call 0116 231 8431, e-mail fundraising@loros.co.uk or visit: www.loros.co.uk/fundraising
