A LYMPHOMA survivor and his son from York are set to join cricketing legend Sir Ian Botham for a charity walk in aid of other sufferers.

Martin Greaves, who will be joined by his son Jonathan, will meet Sir Ian at Nostell Priory, near Wakefield, on Saturday April 14, for the third stage of Beefy’s Great British Walk 2012, where families from across the region help to raise vital money for childhood blood cancer.

Martin Greaves was diagnosed with Burkitts lymphoma in January last year, aged 52.

After having a bout of tonsillitis that failed to clear up, Martin’s GP sent him for a blood test which revealed he had an abnormal white blood cell count.

He was immediately referred to hospital, where further tests revealed he had lymphoma.

Martin, from York, had to remain in hospital for the majority of his treatment due to a lowered immune system and increased risk of infection.

He was finally discharged on April 6 and has since made a full recovery.

Jonathan said: “We were lucky enough to have great support from close friends and family and my dad was never short of visitors in hospital which helped him a great deal on his road to recovery.

“There were times when I was extremely upset to see him having his treatment, but I will never forget the fabulous job the nurses did.

“They were more than just staff to us and they’ll always hold a special place in our lives.”

Jonathan and Martin are taking part in the walk with family and friends to help raise money and awareness to prevent other patients and their families going through a similar situation.

If you would like to sponsor Jonathan and his dad, visit their justgiving page justgiving.com/Jonathan-Greaves If you would like to join Sir Ian on one of his walks phone 020 7504 2282 or email LHolmes@beatingbloodcancers.org.uk or visit beatingbloodcancers.org.uk/beefywalk2012