A North East based charity is inviting people to join them for a six-mile walk next month in support of children’s cancer research.

North of England Children’s Cancer Research (NECCR), based at the Northern Institute for Cancer Research at Newcastle University and Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI), is hosting the second annual Children’s Cancer Walk at Blagdon Hall Estate in Northumberland next month, raising money to fund vital research into the causes and treatments of children’s cancer.

The walk will take place on Saturday 21st September in the private grounds of the estate thanks to permission from the Viscount and Viscountess Ridley of Blagdon, and for the second year running, respected writer and friend of the charity, Bill Bryson will be attending the event which promises fantastic scenery, fun and fresh air for keen walkers from around the region.

Event organiser for NECCR, Tony Gilroy commented, “The route will cover six miles through one of the biggest private estates in the northeast, Blagdon is not normally open to the public and entry is by invitation only, so we’re very grateful to Viscount Ridley, who will be there to welcome walkers to his estate.”

The choice of venue holds historic significance to NECCR as the Ridley family has contributed hugely to children’s health throughout the twentieth century.

Bob Downer, the Chief Executive of the Blagdon Estate, explained the connection in more detail, “The current Lord Ridley’s late grandmother, Ursula was the chair of the Newcastle infirmary, Forth Banks hospital and children’s hospital in 1930, the very hospital where James Spence practiced pediatrics, and they were very good friends.”

Sir James Calvert Spence was a pioneer in children’s health and the building where the NECCR now resides at the RVI, is named for him.

Bob continued, “It’s not widely known that during the Second World War the babies at the hospital were evacuated to Blagdon Hall by James Spence on invitation of the Ridley family, they were accommodated at Blagdon from 1940 to 1948.”

“We’re delighted that the Children’s Cancer Walk, which raises funds for a charity so intrinsically linked to Sir James Spence, will be held here at Blagdon and we can once again support the development of children’s healthcare.”

Tickets for the Children’s Cancer Walk are £10 and all proceeds will go to the NECCR fund, children go free but spaces are limited to 500 walkers.

Walkers will meet at 10.30am at Blagdon Hall aiming to start the six-mile route at 11am, stopping at the half-way point where refreshments will be available.

There will also be an art exhibition courtesy of students at Sir James Calvert Spence College in Amble.