Fundraisers are hoping to raise £500,000 to support people fighting cancer.

Stride4Life will host its annual charity day on Sunday, July 8 in the grounds of Darent Valley Hospital in Dartford.

The project was set up by the Warwick family after the death of their beloved relative, John, who passed away in April 2003 after being diagnosed with bowel cancer.

In July that year, John's Day was held to thank the hospital for the care given to John during his illness.

What began as a sponsored walk around the hospital soon developed into something far bigger.

After raising £5,330 at the initial event, Darent Valley's fundraising manager asked the family to organise another sponsored walk and fun day to benefit patients.

The event was named Stride4Life, and all proceeds from the initiative go to the Valley Hospital Charity's Cancer Fighting Fund, which was set up at the same time.

It has been a resounding success, giving families the opportunity to remember loved ones, and celebrate the lives that have been saved after treatment at the hospital.

Fundraising through the project is no longer limited to just one day, and an army of volunteers work to support the cause throughout the year.

Stride4Life has hosted pamper evenings, garden parties, and been chosen as the charity of the year by many local clubs and groups.

Since 2004, more than £400,000 has been raised to benefit the lives of cancer patients.

So far, the money raised has allowed the Valley Hospital Charity's Cancer Fighting Fund to purchase a range of new technology.

The ground-breaking treatments now on offer include cryosurgery, which uses extreme cold to destroy abnormal tissues and a pill-sized camera that can detect cancer in its earliest stages.

Darent Valley is also home to a pioneering OSNA machine, which can identify if breast cancer has spread to the lymph nodes in just 40 minutes.

These reduces the need for multiple operations, allowing surgeons to address the problem whilst the patient remains under anaesthetic.

To support Stride4Life in keeping up with these rapidly evolving treatment options, visit its annual charity day this summer.

It will include entertainment throughout the afternoon, a dog show and a variety of stalls.

To take part in this year's sponsored walk, register online at https://bit.ly/2I8HRe8 or call fundraising on 01322 428392.

All proceeds will help the charity come one step closer to reaching its half a million pound milestone.