A YOUNGSTER from Wem who had his leg amputated because of cancer has joined hundreds of walkers giving it their all to raise more than £30,000 for Hope House Hospice.

The Take A Hike event saw supporters from across Shropshire, North Wales, Powys, Cheshire and beyond pull on their walking boots and take on a 10-mile walk on March 27 and 28.

From Oswestry to Anglesey, Llandudno to Ludlow and Chester to Welshpool, walkers braved tricky weather conditions to raise an amazing amount to help support local seriously ill children and their families.

Young Alfie Rixon, from Wem, Shropshire, was diagnosed with an aggressive bone cancer in 2018 and had to have had his lower left leg amputated.

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Having been free of cancer for over a year Alfie, 14, spent lockdown learning to walk again with his prosthetic leg and set himself a challenge by signing up for the 10-mile walk for Hope House which he completed, raising some £4,000.

Dan Rixon, Alfie's dad, said Alfie believed it was important to give something back.

"Something like this was unimaginable for us a year ago," said Dan.

"It was important for us to give something back to an organisation that has given us such wonderful support through a difficult time."

Meanwhile, Cat Dowdeswell, fundraiser for the charity, said she was delighted by the amount of support shown by the walkers.

"We were totally overwhelmed by the support for the Take A Hike event, and to raise almost £30,000 has absolutely blown us away," she said.

"The last 12 months have been extremely challenging, and the support for our virtual events has been absolutely essential to making sure we can continue to be here for those who really need us."

Take A Hike replaced the annual Llangollen Canal Walk which had to be cancelled because Covid-19 restrictions.

"Even though our mass participation events have been cancelled, our supporters haven't wavered one bit and have come out in their droves to raise money for us, and for that we are so grateful," added Cat.

If you would still like to support Hope House and Tŷ Gobaith Children's Hospices there are still some medals available for adults, children and dogs.

Visit hopehouse.org.uk/hike