DENTIST Gareth Jones of Monmouth hopes he hasn't let himself in for a punishing experience by signing up for the 10-mile Men's Walk 2012.

Rugby-mad Gareth, who plays for Monmouth, will set out on Saturday (February 25) to raise funds for the Cotswold Care Hospice.

The walk, supported by former England rugby captain Phil Vickery, starts and finishes at Kingsholm, home to Gloucester Rugby Club.

All money raised will go to support the work of Cotswold Care Hospice, where it costs £2.4 million each year to provide services to the people of Gloucestershire with life limiting illnesses. Its Hospice at Home nurses support patients and their families, allowing the patient to live their final days at home. All services are provided free of charge.

Gareth, from Monmouth Dental Practice in St James Square, will be joined on the day by his dad, Gwynn.

He said: "I'm really looking forward to joining the lads for our equivalent of the Race for Life. The hospice provides a vital local service and I'm glad to be able to support their hard work – and enjoy some great rugby at the same time!"

After the trek, walkers will enjoy a pie and a pint followed by a festival of rugby with two matches, England v Wales in the RBS Six Nations shown live in the bar, then a live match where Gloucester face Harlequins.

Last year's event raised an incredible £69,000. For more information visit http://www.cotswoldcare">www.cotswoldcare. org.uk/menswalk/