A CANCER survivor is urging others to take part in a walk and raise vital funds to support research into the disease.

Alison Learwood, 52, from York, is taking part in the York Balloon Walk on Sunday, March 18, in support of the blood cancer research charity Bloodwise after she was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in June 2013, starting chemotherapy on her birthday.

She said: “I want to make people realise that cancer isn’t always a death sentence.

“Since my diagnosis, I now try to help other patients at my local support group and I’m involved in research projects as a patient representative.”

Alison, who will have been in remission for four years in March, attended the walk last year.

She added: “Last year’s inaugural event was great fun and there was a wonderfully positive feel about the whole event.

“I am sure many have made New Year’s resolutions to improve their fitness and perhaps lose weight, so what a great incentive.

“Join the Balloon Walk, achieve these aims, have fun, meet some amazing people and raise money for a great cause. I’m looking forward to it.”

The Balloon Walk is open to all ages. Starting at York Sports Club, the three mile route will follow the River Ouse from Clifton Ings Meadows into the centre of York, taking in the Museum Gardens before returning along the river to York Sports Club for light refreshments.

Seventy people took part in the event last year, raising £4,300 for research into new treatments for blood cancers such as leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma.

Lauren Syms, regional co-ordinator at Bloodwise said: “Following the success of our 2017 event, we are delighted to be bringing the Balloon Walk back to York for a second year. Our brightly coloured balloons will help generate much needed awareness of blood cancers and Bloodwise.”

People can sign up to the Balloon Walk at bloodwise.org.uk/york-balloon