A GRANDMOTHER is once again organising a sponsored walk to raise money for the hospital which cared for her husband before his death.

Joan Warwick is spearheading the fifth annual Stride 4 Life walk around Darent Valley Hospital on July 11, to raise money for its Cancer Fighting Fund.

She created the event to thank the hospital for its excellent care for her husband John up until he lost his battle with bowel cancer, aged 67, in 2003.

So far the 68-year-old, of South Downs Retirement Village in South Darenth, has helped to raise £112,000 through the walks, and the money has been spent on a range of cancer treatment equipment.

She said: “The goal is to raise money to help fight cancer and put on a family day for everyone, especially those celebrating the life of a lost loved one or giving thanks for a saved life.”

Thousands of people are expected to attend the event, which includes food and entertainment on the hospital grounds, and Mrs Warwick will be joined by her son Michael and granddaughters Ellie and Amy.

And it will be an extra special celebration for Mrs Warwick as just a few days earlier, on July 2, she will go to Buckingham Palace to receive an MBE for her fundraising work.

She said: “I found out I was getting the MBE in December and was amazed. I don’t raise the money to get any kind of personal recognition, but I’ll be very proud to get the award.”

To help Mrs Warwick and Darent Valley’s quest to save lives, go to stride4lifecff.co.uk