More than 60 councils unite for a walk in support of children with cancer

A series of charity walks, on all 35 stages of the 660-kilometre Gran Senda trail around the province of Malaga, will take place on 6 May. The aim is to raise funds so that children suffering from cancer can have the chance to walk part of the Camino de Santiago, the pilgrims' trail in the north of Spain, later this year.

More than 60 town halls have signed up to the initiative, which is being organised by the association of child oncology volunteers, AVOI, which helps children with cancer and their families. The charity walk was launched with the collaboration of the provincial government (Diputación), Obra Social La Caixa, Sabor a Málaga and the Gran Senda. Organisers hope that some 5,000 people will take part and donate ten euros each. Participants can choose to walk whatever stage of the Gran Senda they desire, starting in one of the towns.

At the end of each stage the group will plant a tree in memory of Pablo Ráez, who died of leukemia last year in Marbella. The president of the provincial government, Elías Bendodo, thanked residents of the over sixty towns that will participate and expressed his personal support for the AVOI cause, which he praised for leading the fight against childhood cancer.

The president of AVOI, Juan Carmona, announced that each route will also offer an alternative route which will be more suitable for older people and families.