Hundreds of walkers will descend on Dorset’s historic coastline in memory of a loved one. 

The Malcolm Whales Foundation has organised its annual 40-mile Dorset Walk along the Jurassic Coast to raise money for cancer awareness. The foundation was set up by Malcolm’s son Damien Whales, after his father passed away from bowel cancer at the age of 55 in 2008.

Dorset Walk, now in its ninth year, begins on Weymouth seafront on the morning of July 14, finishing at Studland Bay three days later. It takes hikers over cliffs and through secluded beaches, passing Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove, ascending and descending over 18,000 feet. The group will camp out at a designated site in the Purbeck area in between walks. 

The charity, which predominantly raises money for children’s cancer and bowel cancer, has raised £110,000 in eight years. This year the charity has received its largest ever amount of sign ups, triple the size of last year.

Damien hopes the group can raise in excess of £20,000 this year. 

He said: “The number of people signed up this year has blown my mind. 

“Last year was a difficult year to get participants due to circumstances beyond our control. This year the interest has skyrocketed including a number of people signing up for their third or fourth time, alongside so many new faces. 

“I wish to express my sincere gratitude to everybody that gets involved for such a great cause.”

Walkers this year are largely secondary school pupils from Northamptonshire and Cambridgeshire, where Damien teaches. There are other participants taking part from across the country including Edgars Gift and Climbing Out, two charities supported by the foundation. 

Members of RAF Wynton will also be taking part for the second year running, alongside family, friends and other adults. 

Participants are encouraged to organise fundraising events such as a cake sale or race to raise their minimum sponsorship amount of £100 before the walk. 

The foundation says it is always on the lookout for sponsors, as well as other causes to support. Find out more at www.malcolmwhales.co.uk.