A BLOOD cancer survivor will be joining cricketing legend Sir Ian Botham on his latest charity walk around the country.

Chris Evans, from Harwood, who is also a cricketer, was diagnosed with leukaemia last June, and now he wants to help combat the disease by raising money for research.

He will be joining Sir Ian on one leg of his journey as he takes on his latest fundraising challenge.

Just under 27 years since his famous Lands End to John O’Groats walk, the 56-year-old excricket star will be walking through 10 British cities in 10 days in a challenge he has named Beefy’s Great British Walk.

The walk starts in Glasgow today and ends up in London.

Mr Evans, aged 30, will join Sir Ian on the Manchester to Sheffield leg of the walk, which passes through Tatton Park on April 15.

Mr Evans is a member of Bradshaw Cricket Club and has previously played for Lancaster, as well as representing England at under 19 level. He will be raising money for the leukaemia and lymphoma research fund.

Mr Evans said: “Survival rates 20 years ago where only 20 to 30 per cent, but now they are about 95 per cent — and that is all thanks to leukaemia and lymphoma research.”

He has already collected more than £500 in sponsorship money. Mr Evans’ father, Alan Evans, aged 62, said: “He is very fit and healthy. It was such a shock when we found out.

“He’s on the mend now though.”

Mr Evans’ condition is treatable but he will have to take tablets for the rest of his life