HUNDREDS of walkers donned their boots to raise a staggering �65,000 for charity, striding out for this year’s Orwell Walk.

Organised by the Ipswich East Rotary Club, the walk has become a firm fixture in the calendar and, since the first event more than 30 years ago, thousands of walkers have raised around �1.3million for good causes.

Braving the weather, around 900 people took part in this year’s walk, setting off from Gainsborough Sports Club in the town yesterday.

Steve Flory, who helped to organise the event, said: “It has gone fantastically well and we are really pleased with the results – lots of charities are going to benefit from this. It’s been a roaring success.”

Walkers had the choice of several distances, the most adventurous taking on the largest circuit tackling 25 miles.

The charities that were supported on the day included Cancer Research, Camille’s Appeal and Cancer Campaign in Suffolk.

Among those taking part in the walk was 22-year-old Chris Newman, of Chantry, whose grandmother died of cancer when he was eight years old. He raised more than �100 for Cancer Campaign in Suffolk by walking 25 miles.

He said: “I wanted to do more miles but I have done 25 at least. It’s something that touches everybody. I remember my nan dying of cancer, so I wanted to raise some money.”

The organisers of the walk are already planning for next year and Mr Flory is hoping to attract at least 1,500 people.

n While walkers were faced with rain and wind on Sunday there should be some warmer weather this week.

However Jim Bacon, a forecaster at Weatherquest, has warned we could be in for some thundery weather.

He said: “This week we will see temperatures in the low 20s, but with the warmer weather will come some humid conditions which will produce some thundery weather.”

Did you take part in the Orwell Walk? Tell us about your experiences.