A FAMILY fun walk to raise awareness of diabetes was held in Worcester.

The Lions Family Safari Walk, hosted by the six Worcestershire lions clubs, took place in Worcester Woods Country Park this afternoon.

People could choose either a 5K or 2.5K route and all money raised through the event will be donated to Diabetes UK.

A diabetes testing booth with trained medics was on site, offering families the opportunity to get checked out for free.

The event, which is the first of its kind, was held as part of the national Lions Strides campaign, a project to raise awareness of diabetes.

Keith Goodwin, immediate past president of Bromsgrove Lions, said: “We hope to encourage people to be more aware of diabetes and get themselves tested.

“There are so many people who are walking around with diabetes and they don’t know they have it.”

Chris Southworth, of Hallow Road, who took part in the event with his wife Karen, said: “Our son Andrew, who is now 24, was diagnosed with diabetes at six years old.

“So we always support things to do with diabetes.

“We saw this event and thought it would be a good opportunity to do this and raise awareness.”

He added: “It is the first time they have held this event – but it will grow.”

Worcester Mayor Steve Mackay said: “It is a great idea to get people on board and

convince people, even if they are frightened, to get tested.”