GET your diary out, and ink in Sunday, May 15 - that’s the date of the 10th Kent Charity Walk sponsored and organised by Shepherd Neame and the Kent Messenger Group.

Following the tremendous success of last year’s walk, when 3,450 wonderful walkers raised a record-breaking £100,000 for Kent’s nine hospices, the sponsors are urging people to get involved again.

The hospices which benefit are: Demelza House Children’s Hospice, Sittingbourne; Heart of Kent Hospice, Aylesford; Lions Hospice, Northfleet; Pilgrims Hospices in Canterbury, Ashford and Margate; Ellenor Foundation, Dartford; Hospice in the Weald, Pembury; and Rochester’s Wisdom Hospice.

Between them they have collected cheques to the value of £425,000 from seven previous charity walks.

This year’s walk is based around Boughton Lees between Ashford and Faversham.

The route will proceed from the Lees at Challock, down Church Lane and continue towards Boughton Lees, Soakham Farm and ascend the North Downs to Molash. It is between nine and 10 miles long.

David Lewis, chief executive of Kent Messenger Group said: “The people of Kent have made the walk the biggest single fund-raising event in the county. Every penny we raise goes directly to the Hospices who do such wonderful work.

"Let’s make it our challenge to beat last year’s marvelous total. We are certainly up for it.”

Jonathan Neame, chief executive of Shepherd Neame, said: “The challenge this year is to top last year’s outstanding record. We’re urging previous year’s walkers to try and beat their own personal fundraising records and encouraging new walkers to get their boots on.

“I can’t think of a better way to spend a Sunday; taking in Kent’s beautiful countryside, raising money for the county’s hospices, and getting fit at the same time. I look forward to seeing you there.”

Those who can’t manage the 10 miles can still do their bit.

Volunteer marshals can be sponsored to hand out refreshments, man route passport ‘stamping stations’ and ensure walkers keep to the route. Those interested should contact event organiser David Cornell at the address below.

Local masseurs are also needed to help ease the strains of walk-weary feet. Walkers can enjoy a free massage in Challock’s Methodist Church after the walk, with donations going to the Hospices. If you’re up for the job contact David Cornell.

For more details and an entry form, look out for a form in your local Kent Messenger newspaper, email lhopkins@shepherdneame.co.uk or write to David Cornell, Charity Walk 2005, Shepherd Neame, 17 Court Street, Faversham ME13 7AX.