FOR the Jackson family and their friends it was much more than just a walk in the park.

As hundreds of people joined a fundraising stroll in aid of Oxford’s cancer and heart centres yesterday some had very special reasons for taking part.

When the annual Not Just a Walk in the Park event at the University Parks was first held three years ago, cancer patient Brian Jackson was determined to complete the three-mile course.

Despite being in constant pain from cancer of the voicebox, the 49-year-old wheelchair user from Blackbird Leys stuck to his word.

Mr Jackson passed away 10 days later. His family and friends have taken part in his memory each year since.

His widow Nicola was one of more than 20 walkers to put their best foot forward in Brian’s honour yesterday.

She said: “Over the past three years we’ve raised about £7,000.

“It’s a great cause, and that’s the reason for Brian taking part in the first place, to say thank you.”

The event, which attracted more than 300 participants, was started by BBC Radio Oxford presenter Wesley Smith.

He said: “The walk is truly inspiring, as so many people taking part have been through very difficult times, yet they still want to give something back.”

Anthony Clarke, 52, completed the two-lap route despite having a leg amputated after a car crash.

He said: “A couple of people close to me have been diagnosed with cancer, so it gives us every reason for doing it.

“We know how good the care is at the John Radcliffe and the Churchill, and today the atmosphere and the weather has been great.”

Another amputee taking part was grandfather-of-four Paul Hogan, from Tubney, near Abingdon.

Just two months after undergoing major cancer surgery, the 61-year-old, who lost a leg in a car crash in 1965 and had a double heart bypass operation at the JR in 1995, used crutches for the walk with family and friends.

He said: “Between us we hope to raise over £1,000, and maybe more.

“I was diagnosed with cancer of the oesophagus and had the operation to remove the tumour just 10 weeks ago.

“It’s early days yet but I’m hopeful of beating it.

“It was the only operation I could have had, and it’s not guaranteed, but providing it hasn’t spread anywhere else then I’ll be cured.”

Tracey Hope, from Bicester, who lost her 22-year-old brother to carcinoid of the lung in 2003, said: “I’m walking for all those we’ve lost, those who’ve won and those who are still fighting.

“It’s nice to know that the money we all raise goes straight to our local cancer centre, as my brother was treated in the Churchill.”

Last year’s event raised about £40,000 and organisers said they hoped to collect a similar figure this year.