Southend Pier Great Pier Walk returns for 20th anniversary

Organised by Leigh Rotary Club, the event aims to raise money for Southend Hospital, this year fundraising for Southend Hospital Charitable Foundation's spotlight radiotherapy appeal.

Launch - Leigh Rotary Club with MP Anna Firth, High Sherriff David Hurst and mayor Ron Woodley (Image: Steve Brading)

The appeal aims to raise £600,000 by 2025 to provide new radiotherapy equipment to Southend Hospital, benefiting thousands of cancer patients across mid and south Essex.

Charitable - fundraisers taking part (Image: Steve Brading)

The event is open to everyone with no pre-registration required, so all walkers can sign up to take part and raise vital funds for the hospital.

Start - the walk began in the morning (Image: Steve Brading)

The walk opened at 10.15am this morning with Southend mayor Ron Woodley, Southend West MP Anna Firth and High Sherriff of Essex David Hurst all taking part.

Return - fundraisers walk back (Image: Steve Brading)

Ms Firth shared: "Delighted to support 20th Leigh Rotary Pier Walk along Southend Pier for Southend Hospital spotlight appeal with David Hurst and councillor Ron Woodley.

Sunshine - fundraisers on the walk back (Image: Steve Brading)

"Also nice to see Alexander Bright taking part as well. Still time to take part - going on all day and beautiful way to help local charities thrive!"

Sunny - plenty of fundraisers donned sunglasses (Image: Steve Brading)

It is running until 4pm today.

Scroll down to see more photos from the event...

Fun - some of the participants (Image: Steve Brading)

Celebrating - the event got off to a great start (Image: Steve Brading)

Kick-off - the event raises funds for Southend Hospital (Image: Steve Brading)

Boardwalk - a fundraiser wears the spotlight appeal shirt (Image: Steve Brading)