Local residents are being urged to don their walking boots and complete a walk along Bournemouth seafront to raise money for women’s health.

The event, on Friday 1st June 2012, will see local residents and hospital staff complete a 1k, 5k or 10k walk along Bournemouth Seafront from 8pm. Last year 320 walkers raised a phenomenal £20,000 for the Appeal for Women through sponsorship and it is hoped this year’s event will be even bigger. The start time has been brought forward to encourage as many families as possible to get involved.

Events Officer, Lindsey Sturman, said: “Participants really enjoyed the walk last year, and many said that they would love to bring along their families. This year we have an earlier start time of 8pm, a more child-friendly time for those who want to take part in the walk as a family.”

Registration forms can be picked up from the Jigsaw Office at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital or online at jigsawappeal.org.uk. Registration is £15 per person and includes a t-shirt, with fancy dress optional.

All funds raised will go towards providing a brand new Women’s Health Unit at RBH, which will be a centre of excellence to screen, diagnose and treat patients with breast and gynaecological cancer and for families undergoing complications in early pregnancy, including miscarriages.

Consultant Gynaecologist Alexander Taylor said: “Breast cancer, gynaecological cancer or miscarriage can affect us all, either directly or indirectly. There is so much that can be done to support and treat people, but we need to raise funds to ensure that this is done in an environment that ensures privacy and dignity. I encourage people to get involved and sign up to help their local hospital.”