A STOURBRIDGE slimmer will walk 500 miles to raise funds for Breakthrough Breast Cancer, in memory of his mother, Theresa.

Laurence Evans, aged 67, is marking the 60th anniversary of his mother's death, by starting his fundraising challenge.

He will clock up the miles with a range of activities, starting on the gym treadmill, then with a number of outdoor rambles, where he will encourage his friends and family to join him.

This is the second year Mr Evans has taken part in a fundraiser for cancer charities, last year he walked 100 miles over five weeks and took part in Movember, raising £675 in support of testicular cancer.

He said: “It may be a sad fact, but the truth is that almost everyone will be affected by cancer at some point in their lifetime. However, survival rates are ever increasing and this is predominantly as a result of early diagnosis and new treatments developed through research.

"Research that unfortunately wasn’t around when my mother was diagnosed. So this year I want to walk further and raise even more money. I realise it will take several months but I am very determined to reach my goal.”

Mr Evans is committed to keeping healthy and active having shed 2st 10lbs with support from a Slimming World group in Oldswinford, that he joined in June 2012 after being told he was borderline diabetic.

He decided to start exercising to help keep the pounds off and wanted his charity challenge to reflect his new lifestyle.

Members of his slimming group have also vowed to help him by donating the left over 5ps from their weekly fees and will also join him on some of his organised walks.

Elizabeth Martin, events executive officer at Breakthrough Breast Cancer, said: “We are extremely grateful that Laurence has chosen to support our crucial work. Breakthrough funds some of the world’s best breast cancer scientists, so every penny raised really is vital in making a real difference to so many lives. Step by step his walk will take us closer to the ultimate breakthrough – beating breast cancer once and for all.”

To sponsor Mr Evans, visit www.justgiving.com/evzsenior