KAY Barriball and an ever-growing group of friends are stepping out to walk the Tamara route to raise funds for women’s health.

The intrepid group are due to set off from Callington on Saturday April 5 - and are challenging themselves to walk the 20 miles to raise money for the Gynae Oncology Unit at Derriford hospital in Plymouth.

Kay, who underwent surgery for a cancer diagnosis three years ago, said: “Our walking group consists of a group of friends who have either been directly affected by one of the gynaecological cancers - or who have relations or close friends affected, and who have benefitted by the excellent care provided by the Gynae Oncology team at Derriford Hospital.

The group have been putting in the miles training before the big day and will follow a route through the Tamar Valley before heading to Derriford Hopsital. (Picture: Kay Barriball)
The group have been putting in the miles training before the big day and will follow a route through the Tamar Valley before heading to Derriford Hopsital. (Picture: Kay Barriball) ( )

“We are trying to raise funds to help the team enhance the facilities and level of care they are able to offer to many women in the Plymouth catchment area who are receiving a cancer diagnosis or in the process of treatment.”

The team who have already achieved 92 percent of their £4,500 target, are due to set off at 6am from Callington. Their route will take them to Harrowbarrow and Cotehele Quay, on to Calstock, before catching the train to Bere Alston.

The walking group includes family and friends of Kay and others who have have benefitted from the care of the Gynae Oncology Unit. (Picture: Kay Barriball)
The walking group includes family and friends of Kay and others who have have benefitted from the care of the Gynae Oncology Unit. (Picture: Kay Barriball) ( )

They will then walk to Bere Ferrers, hoping to arrive at Lopwell Dam by 2pm before continuing on to Tamerton Foliot and Southway arriving at the University Hospitals Plymouth, at the Lancaster Suite on Level 6, the home of the Gynae Oncology unit by 6.30pm.

The team walking for women’s health will be posting updates on their JustGiving page during the day, and anyone wishing to join the group for part or all of the walk is more than welcome, adds Kay, who said: “We are all really overwhelmed by people's generosity and support for this challenge.”

A spokesperson for Plymouth Hospitals Charity said: “We'll be cheering Kay and the ladies on during their walk tomorrow. It's fantastic that they're raising money for the gynaecological Oncology Unit at Derriford. I hope their friends and family really get behind them and show them their support.

“Their walk is a great example of how great things happen when local people get together and decide to fundraise together. Looking at the forecast, it's likely to be the hottest day of the year so far so it will be a perfect day for a walk.

“I'm sure they'll get a lot of support along their way and they're sure to get a warm welcome when they reach Derriford tomorrow evening!”

The group of intrepid walkers has already reached 92 percent of their fundraising target of £4,500 for the Gynae Oncology Unit at Derriford Hospital. (Picture: Kay Barriball)
The group of intrepid walkers has already reached 92 percent of their fundraising target of £4,500 for the Gynae Oncology Unit at Derriford Hospital. (Picture: Kay Barriball) ( )

Donations can be made to www.justgiving.com/page/kay-barriball-1728141278734