A SPONSORED walk to mark the 75th anniversary of Southend Hospital is set to raise thousands.

Walkers will be asked to raise cash for a ward, unit or department of their choice on Sunday, July 1.

The four-mile route is from Uncle Tom's Cabin in Shoebury to Sealife Adventure and back.

Malachy O'Sullivan, who is a trustee of the hospital's charitable foundation, is the main organiser.

He said: "It has always been an ambition to run an event that could benefit the whole hospital, and by coming up with the idea of a sponsored walk open to all wards and departments this is at least a possibility.

"July 1 is the date the hospital starts its month of celebrating 75 years since foundation and, therefore, what better date for the walk."

Southend theme park Adventure Island has agreed to sponsor the day by donating £3,000.

Owner Philip Miller is also a trustee of the charitable foundation and a long-term supporter of the hospital.

Walkers can also raise funds for the hospital's new StrokeBusters Appeal which aims to get a new stroke unit and clotbusting team at the hospital.

For more information and a sponsorship pack call Mr O'Sullivan on 01702 216580 or the charity projects office at Southend Hospital on 01702 385337.