SCORES of fundraisers walked side-by-side with cricketing legend Sir Ian Botham in Heaton Park to help beat childhood leukaemia.

They joined Beefy — who scored 5,200 runs in 102 test matches for England between 1977 and 1992 — on the 25th anniversary of his famous walk from John O’Groats to Land’s End in aid of Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research.

Among those who kept pace with Sir Ian through the park was actor Christopher Chittell, who plays Eric Pollard in ITV’s Emmerdale.

Sir Ian started his walk from outside Marks & Spencer in Market Street, Manchester, on Saturday.

He then walked for 10 miles through Manchester and headed north to Heaton Park.

There, he walked with members of the public who were also fundraising for the same cause.

Among them was Edenfield man, Mark Pilling, aged 32, whose five-year-old stepson, Cameron, was diagnosed with T-Cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma in February last year.

The warm weather brought out the crowds and Sir Ian led scores of supporters during his walk.

Sir Ian, president of Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research, said: “My walk in 2010 is extra special for me as it marks 25 years since I did my first walk. It is also the 50th birthday of Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research. I never forget why I put myself through the pain and blisters. I won’t stop until we beat childhood leukaemia.”

His latest fundraising journey will see him walk through 10 towns before he finally finishes his gruelling walk next Monday.

Manchester's walk was sponsored by David Roberts Physiotherapy, who are providing all medical support for Sir Ian and his team.

l To help Sir Ian beat childhood leukaemia, donate via www. beefy25.com, or call 020 7405 0101.