TWO women are inviting people to join them on a sponsored walk along the Suffolk Coastal path to raise funds for a charity's breast cancer research programme.

TWO women are inviting people to join them on a sponsored walk along the Suffolk Coastal path to raise funds for a charity's breast cancer research programme.

Fundraisers, Sandra Coleman and Jo Mayhew have been supporting Cancer Research UK since Jo formed the Knodishall Support Group for Cancer Research UK in 1993.

Since then the group have raised well over £30,000 for Cancer Research UK's vital research programmes.

In 2001, both Jo and Sandra took part in Trek for Life China, a sponsored walking event along the Great Wall of China to raise money for cancer research.

Sandra, of Leiston, said: "For me it was a once in a lifetime opportunity, from the hard work of raising the money, to the wonderful people I met on the trek, it was an experience I will never forget".

Since then Jo and Sandra have enjoyed weekly walks together on Sunday

mornings along the Suffolk coast between Aldeburgh and Thorpeness. This year they have decided to encourage others to join them and are organising the Suffolk Coastal Stride.

The sponsored walk, which will raise money for breast cancer research, will take place at 10.30am on Sunday, November 7 and will start from

Aldeburgh.

Participants will stroll along the coastal path to the coffee shop in Thorpeness and then make their way back to Aldeburgh, a total route of around five miles.

This walk, which forms part of Cancer Research UK's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer campaign, is one of over 40 fun walks for people of all ages and abilities to come together as part of the charity's long list of activities for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Jo, of Knodishall, said: "Sandra and I enjoy this walk regularly and now we are urging everyone - individuals, friends, colleagues and families - to join

us and walk for breast cancer research."

For more information on the Suffolk Coastal Stride or to register please

call Nicki on 01284 766311

KEY FACTS ABOUT BREAST CANCER

N One in nine UK women will develop breast cancer at some point in their lives.

N Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK (aside from non-melanoma skin cancer).

N Breast cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in UK women, claiming nearly 13,000 lives in 2002 (lung cancer is the most common).

N A woman's risk of breast cancer increases with age - nearly three-quarters of cases occur in women over 65.

N Breast cancer incidence is increasing by about 2 per cent every year. Many factors are thought to be responsible for this, including lifestyle, diet, and decreasing family size.