THE PUBLIC is being urged to Walk All Over Cancer to kick start the new year.

Cancer Research UK is asking people to get sponsored to walk 10,000 steps every day for a month.

The appeal has been launched as it is revealed that 22 per cent of people in the south west are getting less than 30 minutes of physical activity a week.

Jenny Makin, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson for the South West, said: “For many of us, the start of a new year is a great time to commit to be a bit more active.

“If you are thinking about a New Year’s resolution for 2020, why not visit our website and sign up now to Walk All Over Cancer.

“We are asking people to get sponsored to walk 10,000 steps a day in March so there’s plenty of time for supporters to start building up to the challenge and planning new, fun ways to fit in some extra steps – from getting off the bus one stop early to organising walks with family and friends.

“Sticking to a New Year’s resolution can be hard, especially through the cold, dark months of January. Registering now and making a public pledge to take part in the Spring, could help people steel their resolve.”

Not only will taking on the challenge help raise money, it has health benefits as well. Moderate exercise can help build stamina, burn calories and keep a healthy body weight, which reduces the risk of 13 different types of cancer.

Walking has many positive effects on both the body and mind. It can help generate a sense of

well-being and help people think more creatively.

Jenny added: “Participants can tackle our Walk All Over Cancer challenge in their own way. They can take part on their own or ask family, friends and colleagues to join them.

“It offers a great opportunity to explore new places together or to carve out some ‘me time’ by doing the challenge alone.

“It is also a good way to get to know your local town or city better by taking the time to explore it on foot, rather than by car, bus or train.”

Jenny added: “Cancer survival has doubled since the early 1970s and Cancer Research UK’s work has been at the heart of that progress – but every step our doctors, nurses and scientists take relies on donations from the public and the tireless fundraising of our supporters.

“There are over 200 types of cancer and we need continued investment in research to help us find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat them. That’s why we need people to step up to the challenge and Walk All Over Cancer.”

To sign up and receive a fundraising pack, with tips and ideas to help with the challenge, go to cruk.org/walkallover