IPSWICH: Hundreds have already signed up for the 34th annual Orwell Walk – but organisers today urged more people to get involved in the charity event.

More than 60 local groups and organisations will benefit from the money raised by the sponsored stroll, which is set to take place on June 26.

Organised by the Ipswich East Rotary Club, the walk is also supported by The Evening Star, its sister paper, the East Anglian Daily Times, BBC Radio Suffolk and Healthy Ambitions Suffolk.

The event is flexible, allowing participants to walk the full 25 miles or a minimum of three miles along the River Orwell from Ipswich to Felixstowe.

When walkers are finished, they will be driven back to the starting point.

Mark Murphy, president of the Ipswich East Rotary Club, encouraged people to pull on their walking shoes and raise some money for a good cause of their choice.

He said: “Every June ordinary people raise thousands of pounds for charities of all descriptions.

“Some are big national charities, like Save the Children, others are needy causes close to home, like scout troops and junior football clubs.

“It’s great because friends and family can walk together but walk for different charities.”

One of the main recipients of the Orwell Walk last year was the East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices Treehouse appeal.

Hannah Bloom, from the appeal, said the event is a fantastic way to support a charity.

She said: “Last year the Orwell Walk generated over �12,000 for the Treehouse Appeal through sponsorship as well as a donation made directly by the Rotary Club.

“There are few established events in Suffolk enabling you to enjoy the local countryside in the sunshine.

“Most people are able to walk – the challenge is how far you can push yourself.”

To sign up for the Orwell Walk 2011 log on at ipswicheastrotaryclub.co.uk or call 01473 215333.

n Tell us why you are taking part in this year’s Orwell Walk. Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@evening star.co.uk