WELCOME to Yorkshire is appealing to people to walk, cycle, run or push in May and join its ‘Tour de Walkshire’ fundraiser.

The tourism agency has joined forces with Yorkshire Cancer Research for the event which will run throughout May and raise both awareness and funds for the charity.

It says following the postponement until next year of the Tour de Yorkshire cycle race, which would have come through Craven and the Dales, it hopes its Tour de Walkshire will bring people together in a Covid-safe way, promote fitness, raise money and also raise awareness of the county by posting photos on #walkshire.

More than 200 people have already signed up for the event, which urges people to do as many miles as they wish - either on their own, as a family, or in groups - and whenever they want.

All who register will receive a free Tour de Walkshire t-shirt and those who raise at least £250 will get a Yorkshire Cancer Research bottle and a Welcome to Yorkshire ‘Y’ badge.

James Mason, Welcome to Yorkshire chief executive, said: “As the Tour de Yorkshire cycling race has been postponed until 2022 due to the pandemic, we wanted to create an inclusive and exciting event to bring people together -following government guidelines of course- in the great outdoors, to encourage fitness and well-being, fundraise and also raise essential awareness for an amazing charity, plus showcase our breathtaking county.

“The Tour de Walkshire is the perfect way to do this and will be fun for all throughout the month of May, raising vital funds for Yorkshire Cancer Research.

“Cancer is not exclusive. Almost everyone in the county will know someone affected by cancer. As such this is a cause we should all get behind. We hope that Welcome to Yorkshire’s strong brand and global support received for its exciting events will help us to raise a significant amount of awareness and money for this important charity.”

Juliet Glendinning, of Yorkshire Cancer Research, said: “The pandemic has had a devastating impact on people with cancer, and has meant thousands of cancers have gone undiagnosed at an early stage when they’re easier to treat. We’re determined to change this.”

Welcome to Yorkshire’s #Walkshire campaign, launched at the start of the year, has been a big hit, says the organisation. It offers a walk of every day of the year, which can be enjoyed by all ages and abilities. To sign up for Tour de Walkshire, visit: https://join.yorkshirecancerresearch.org.uk/event/tour-de-walkshire-2021/home.