WITH just two weeks left until The Big Walk, Melksham councillor Jon Hubbard is sending out a last call for people to take part in the fundraiser which is all in aid of two local charities.

Cllr Hubbard, chairman of The Big Walk steering group, was delighted that during a warm-up walk at Asda on Saturday, he was able to raise £200 while walking 16 miles on a treadmill.

Cllr Hubbard said: “The whole idea of setting up in the supermarkets was to get people signed up to go on The Big Walk and in doing that we raised money which is just brilliant.

“It has been very hard work and my poor legs don’t know what has hit them but one of the things that has been really nice is that when people walk past you and see you on the treadmill, there is a community spirit because I think people appreciate the effort of not just standing there with a bucket but actually showing what we are doing and why.”

Around 75 competitors are expected to be taking part in the event on September 12, including teams from businesses such as Selwood Housing, Sainsbury’s and Asda.

Cllr Hubbard added: “The walk is getting close and people are now starting to know about it and we are hoping to raise a similar figure to what we did last year which was £5,000.

“People will be able to see what they are raising money for and that is really great and exciting so once we reach Country Hall there will be a real party atmosphere of celebration.

“I am incredibly grateful to the people of Melksham who have dug deep to support The Big Walk and I hope we get a really good turnout and amount of money raised.”

The Big Walk is raising cash for Hope for Tomorrow, a charity that purchases mobile chemotherapy unites to bring cancer treatment closer to patients’ homes, and Young Melksham, a local charity working with children, young people and their families in the community area.

To sign up for the walk, visit www.thebigwalk.org.uk