ipswich: Hundreds of generous people are preparing to take on a massive challenge which has become a firm fixture on the town’s fundraising calendar.

During its 35-year history, the Orwell Walk has raised more than �1.3million for deserving causes.

But organisers are promising this year’s walk will be the biggest yet and are urging more people to sign up for the trek.

So far hundreds walkers have pledged to take part in the event, which is split into three lengths – 12, 18 and 25 miles.

To make the walk brighter than past events, participants are being encouraged to dress in colourful attire.

And there’s also a new route for walkers to tackle, prompted by the closure of Amberfield School, which was the start and finish point in previous years.

The Ipswich East Rotary Club organises the Orwell Walk, which raises more than �60,000 each year for charity.

The 36th walk will take place on Sunday, June 24 and will begin and end at Gainsborough Sports Club.

A spokeswoman for the organisers said more than 650 walkers had signed up for the event so far.

But with 16 days left to register she urged people to get their applications in.

She said: “You can walk for whichever charity you choose and although the full walk is 25 miles, you walk the distance you can make as there are regular check points where Rotarians can give you a ride back to base if you feel you’ve walked far enough.”

Walkers will each receive a drink bottle with fresh water provided by sponsors Healthy Ambitions Suffolk along with a medal for their efforts.

To find out more about the event you can log on to www.ipswicheastrotaryclub.co.uk or call walk administrator Norman Haines on 01473 215333.

n Are you taking on the Orwell Walk for a special reason? Contact Hollie-Rae Merrick on 01473 324738 or alternatively you can send an e-mail to hollie-rae.merrick@archant.co.uk