Walkers plan 60-mile trek along river to raise money for diabetes charity

James Hood, of South Walsham, Julian Wells, of Alpington, Ed Masters, of Brooke, Andrew Hipper, of Topcroft, and Ian Williams, of Bawburgh, will embark on their sixth year of walking this weekend in aid of Norfolk Diabetes Trust.

Their 62-mile walk will take them from Reedham and through East Norfolk countryside close to the River Yare until they reach their destination in Surlingham.

It is the sixth time the group of friends raise money for the trust, having previously collected nearly £20,000 to help various projects of the charity.

Mr Masters said: 'This year we are looking to help the continuing project of providing some 8,000 handheld records and 30 podcasts, that all contain information for people with diabetes in Norfolk.

'So far this project has been a huge success and we are hoping this can be circulated to a far wider audience.'

Previously the group have raised money for projects such as securing continuous glucose monitoring systems and micro-insulin pens for young people.

The group plan to take in many of the region's walkways, including Weaver's Way, Marriott's Way, and Boudica's Way.

They will walk 33 miles on Saturday through Somerleyton, Fritton, and Oulton Broad, before joining Wherryman's Way to pass Thurlton and Loddon, and onwards through Claxton and Rockland St Mary - ending their journey by the riverbank at Surlingham.

Mr Masters added: 'One of the most enjoyable aspects is welcoming anyone that wants to come along for just a few miles - we have accommodated people in the past aged between seven and 95.'

If anyone is interested in joining the walk at any point en route please email ndt@nnuh.nhs.uk

To donate to the fundraising appeal visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Ed-Masters1

Norfolk Diabetes Trust aims to improve facilities and care for the 48,000 people in Norfolk with known or undiagnosed diabetes.

Are you raising funds for charity?

Email jemma.walker@archant.co.uk