Ian Botham Walks for Leukaemia Research Charity

Ian Botham has embarked on his 11th charity walk in aid of Leukaemia Research and Teenage Cancer Trust, a journey that will take him to 17 cities across Britain in nine days before finishing up in London's Marble Arch on October 17.

Botham, 50, has been an avid charity fundraiser for nearly 30 years, and his previous trips have included a walk across Britain from Land's End to John O'Groats in 1985, and the Hannibal trek across the Alps, complete with elephants, in 1988.

To date, he has raised more than £8million (Rs. 60 crores) for good causes, and in 2003 he was made the first ever President of Leukaemia Research, the only national charity devoted exclusively to leukaemia, Hodgkin's lymphoma and other lymphomas, myeloma and related blood disorders. Botham said "A lot of people make TV charity appeals, which is terrific, but if you're fit enough to do something like this, then I think it attracts more attention. People not only see you giving up your time, they also see you going through the agonies. It wouldn't be enough for me to sit back in a comfy chair in a television studio saying, 'please give money to Leukaemia Research, it's a great cause'."

One wishes that our wealthy cricketers took a leaf from this book and give their time to raise awareness and funds. Botham's cricket exploits as one of the greatest all rounders should get him a knighthood and he certainly deserves another for his charity work.

Botham became aware of leukaemia in 1977 when he broke a bone in his foot playing for England. "I was feeling sorry for myself then I spotted a group of lovely kids sitting round a table in hospital playing a board game. They weren't bandaged, they weren't in plaster, they didn't have needles or tubes sticking out of them, in fact they looked perfectly healthy. When I asked a nurse why they were in hospital she told me they only had a few weeks to live – leukaemia. It didn't make any sense, it still doesn't, they looked fine and it tore me up inside."

Fans who wish to help Ian can donate online and follow his progress at www.bothamwalk.com.