A team of committed volunteers have raised more than £57,000 for Mount Vernon Cancer Centre by organising a charity day that included a 14-mile sponsored walk from the cancer centre to their local pub, The Plough Inn in Tyttenhanger, near St Albans.

What initially started as sponsored walk for a small group of friends, turned into a fun-filled community event with live music, DJ sets, a bouncy castle, miniature railway and more than 100 people taking part in the walk.

The walk was officially started by Councillor Philip Corthorne, Mayor of Hillingdon, and Councillor Teresa Heritage, Mayor of St Albans, greeted them when they arrived at the pub.

Simon Leavold, 56, came up with the idea while receiving treatment at Mount Vernon Cancer Centre after being diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Simon said: “In October 2021, I heard the words no one ever wants to hear - I had prostate cancer. And, due to the pandemic, my surgery was postponed until the following February. Unfortunately, the delay meant I needed additional radiotherapy after my operation. After 45 rounds of radiotherapy and then a six-month break, cancer cells were still detected so I had to have another 40 rounds of treatment.

“I can honestly say though I have never been more inspired or grateful. Over the course of 85 hospital visits, not once did I feel like just another patient. The doctors, nurses and other staff weren’t just doing their jobs, they truly cared. Their kindness, compassion, and dedication carried me through some of the hardest days of my life, and I will forever be grateful.

“Now, I want to give back and raise funds for Mount Vernon Cancer Centre and also the Linda Jackson Centre, which I came across during my treatment. It is run by selfless volunteers who guide patients through radiotherapy, chemotherapy and the challenges that come after treatment. They also offer free complementary therapies thanks to funding from the charity. Their support makes a huge difference for many patients and definitely did for me!

“Unfortunately, the cancer has returned in my shoulder and spine so I will soon begin radiotherapy again but I am super hopeful to get through this once again.”

Mount Vernon Cancer Centre is supported by East and North Hertfordshire Hospitals’ Charity which raises funds for projects about the remit of the NHS to support patients going through treatment at the centre.

Linda Cudmore, community fundraiser for the charity, said: “It has been truly inspirational working with Simon and his team of helpers. We can’t thank them enough. There was so much love and respect for Simon on the day. It was a beautiful example of a community coming together to support those going through the physical and emotional impact of cancer treatment.

“The team's total is now at £57,859 which is astonishing. It will fund Cancer Hair Care for a year: this is a service that supports patients with information, advice and also provides wigs and headwear. It will also go towards funding a scalp cooling unit which helps to reduce the risk of hair loss and also fund complementary therapies such as massage or acupuncture which help patients deal with the side effects of their treatment.

“The funds raised will make such a difference to so many patients going through that incredibly difficult experience of cancer treatment. Thank you all so much.”