An NHS worker is taking great strides to raise funds for a charity close to her heart by joining the St Francis Hospice Star Trek walk in memory of her dad and father-in-law.

Tina Champness, from Collier Row, wil put her best foot forward for the third sponsored Star Trek walk on Saturday July 7, along with colleagues from the Mawney Medical Centre, in Romford, and her sister Karen Steven. You could join her.

Tina’s dad Dennis Cook received care from the hospice before he sadly lost his long battle with pancreatic cancer in May 2010.

Her father-in-law, Harry Champness - who died last July after suffering from stomach cancer - was an inpatient at the Havering-atte-Bower based charity.

Tina said: “I’m doubly determined to raise as much money for the hospice as possible, as the staff and volunteers made both dads’ last few weeks so much more comfortable. They were also instrumental in advising and comforting the families during what was a really distressing time.

“Everybody at the hospice, from the doctors and nurses to the cleaning staff and tea ladies, showed warmth and compassion beyond what you would expect.”

She added: “The walk last year was an emotional and amazing experience and it was good to raise much-needed funds for the hospice. I know that both dads will be looking down on me saying, ‘You go, Girl!’ whilst I am taking part. So please join me or sponsor me and support this fantastic charity.”

The 10km walk starts and finishes at The Liberty Shopping Centre, Romford, and places are �15 each and include a medal and goody bag.

A spokesman for the charity said:: “Each participant is asked to raise as much sponsorship money as they can - �50 would pay for an hour’s nursing care in a patient’s home.”

You can book your place online at www.sfh.org.uk email events@sfh.org.uk or call the fundraising team on 01708 771427.