AN OXFORD nurse is calling on men and women to Walk All Over Cancer this month and help raise money for vital research.

Nikki Hayward, a cancer research UK senior research nurse at the Churchill Hospital, is urging people to sign up now and get sponsored to walk 10,000 steps a day in March.

Ms Hayward, who has been a nurse for over 40 years, leads on the holistic needs assessments for cancer patients helping to ensure they have a better quality of life.

She said: “My job means I know first-hand how important research is to cancer patients being treated now and to make better, kinder treatments available for future generations.

“Everyone knows nurses can walk miles and miles every day, going up and down the wards or from one clinic to another. I do walk a lot at work and outside of work I have two dogs who keep me fit and healthy.

“That’s why I’m calling on people in Oxford to go the distance with us by signing up to Walk All Over Cancer and raising money to help beat the disease."

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Those taking part can keep check on the number of steps taken each day with a smartphone app, pedometer or fitness tracker.

Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson for Oxford Alison Birkett, said: “Walking 10,000 steps is equal to about five miles. That’s quite a challenge for many people. But adopting small lifestyle changes – from walking to work or taking the stairs instead of the lift – can help make the goal feel achievable.”

To sign up now, visit www.cruk.org/walkallover