By Leicester Mercury | Posted 4 April, 2012
Dianne Mantle was 47 when she died in January, weeks before her son Gareth's wedding.
Gareth and his wife Emma will be among the walkers, a group of friends from Quorn and Mountsorrel.
They hope the 135-mile hike, which they will complete over one week, following the route of the Grand Union Canal, will raise at least £1,000.
Gareth, 27, of Mountsorrel, said: "My mother had lung cancer last year and after chemotherapy and an operation to remove half her lung we thought she would be all right.
"But in the autumn we found out it had come back as brain cancer and were told it was terminal.
"Emma and I had been due to marry in June.
"We brought it forward to March but, sadly, my mother passed away a few weeks before.
"In the last weeks, LOROS staff came out to care for her and they were really great."
Also taking part are friends James Pound, Andrew Porter and Kristian Sheffield and Dianne's niece, Emma Pengelly.
They have been training in Bradgate Park.
James, 27, of Quorn, said: "We all want to take part to give something back after the great work Loros did for Dianne.
"We're beginning the walk on Good Friday and we'll stay at campsites along the route.
"Most of the walk is along the Grand Union Canal and then at the end we'll go across London from Kew Gardens, past Buckingham Palace to Big Ben.
"The plan is to do about 20 miles each day, although there are some bigger walks and we'll have to take the weather into account. But we should arrive the following Friday."
Dianne worked as a nurse in Loughborough until she became ill.
LOROS provided practical care and emotional support for her and her family until the end.
Gareth said: "At a tough time like that, the support and advice that Loros provides is truly invaluable and we see this walk and the money we raise as a way of saying thank you."
To sponsor the group, donate through their website: www.justgiving.com/thebigwalk2012
