AN MP will walk 40 miles from Preston to Kendal in a bid to highlight the distance cancer patients have to travel for treatment.

Tim Farron plans to trek through the night on October 2, before handing a petition containing thousands of names to health chiefs.

It backs NHS bosses’ plans to build a £15 million cancer unit in the area – a move that would save thousands of South Lakeland patients having to travel to Preston for life-saving treatment.

Mr Farron, the MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale, is asking the public, including the 7,000 residents who signed the petition, to join him on the final leg of his walk, from Kirkbie Kendal School to Westmorland General Hospital.

“Many people have come forward with stories about the gruelling journeys they have to make to Preston for cancer treatment.

“Local health officials have always made it clear that public support will be vital if we are to achieve our aim and get a cancer treatment unit in Kendal,” he said.

The MP plans to meet supporters at the school at 10am on Saturday, October 3.