Ian Botham started his walk in Chepstow

Last year's walk in aid of the Noahs Ark Appeal, raised �1m and the former England cricket great said it had made an enormous impact on him.

He said his belief in the project was as strong as ever and added that he hoped for support from crowds all along the route where supporters on the walk will have buckets to accept any donations.

Ian added:"We'll come and get it from you."

The former England cricketer will stride for nine days through the valleys of south east Wales, covering 210 miles.

He added: "When I left Machynlleth last April I really believed I was setting out to do my last ever walk," he said. "But the reception we had from the people of Wales was overwhelming.

Another �1.5m needed

"The new hospital is now under way with work on site starting last week. The appeal needs to raise a further �1.5 million to provide state of the art equipment for the new hospital, so what better way to help than to walk through some of the parts of Wales we did not reach last year?"

Chairman of the Noah's Ark Appeal, G Stanley Thomas, said: "This is an incredible gesture by Ian, Kathy (Mrs Botham) and the crew.

"When I suggested the first walk for the appeal I never dreamed that Ian might do it again. I know how much the people of the valleys will be looking forward to welcoming him through their towns and villages."

Ian Botham's Charity Walk from Machynlleth to Cardiff in the spring of 2002 helped to raise nearly a �1million for the Noah's Ark Appeal.

Charlotte Church and Catherine Zeta Jones joined Ian Botham on his last walk

Director of the Appeal, Suzanne Mainwaring, said: "This was a wonderful effort by Ian and Kathy Botham and their crew who all gave up nearly two weeks of their own time to go through several pain barriers before the finish in the Cardiff Castle.

"We are thrilled that they are willing to give so much to the Appeal again this year."

The Valleys Walk 2003 Schedule is: