Organisers of Sunday’s Orwell Walk and Cycle will be hoping that fine weather will give a major boost to the charity fundraising event.

This is the 39th walk that the Rotary Club of Ipswich East has organised – since 1977 the event has raised more than £1.5million for local charities. Last year more than 850 people took part in the event.

Two years ago the event was also opened up to cyclists, who have their own route near the river between Ipswich and Felixstowe. It is sponsored by Fred. Olsen Travel.

The club has to get permission from about a dozen landowners to walk or cycle across their land.

A full infrastructure is provided with a number of checkpoints along both routes offering refreshments and toilet facilities.

The event begins at the Gainsborough Sports Centre in Maryon Road, Ipswich, with the keenest participants leaving at about 7am.

All participants have to pay an entry fee of £15 per adult and £10 per child, which goes to Rotary charities, with the rest of the money they raise going to their own charities.

Rotary Club President Geoff Watson said: “The Walk route is done in an approximate figure of eight with loops, so walkers do not have to do the full 25 miles – they can do just a mile, three, eight, 12, 14, 19, whatever they want.

“The cycle route extends to 26 miles and goes slightly wider afield but the same applies, there are shorter options which can be followed if desired.”

“You can register right up to and including on the day and your sponsorship does not have to be just for a charity – you might wish to raise funds for a scout group, football or netball team for example.”

Walkers or cyclists can also simply use the event to raise money for Rotary charities.