Mums to walk 100k in 24 hours

Alison Bargh and Helen Ashton are walking through The Trough Of Bowland on Saturday.

Alison said: “Helen asked me one evening if I would complete a challenge with her of walking 100km – I said yes without really considering the distance and Helen had us both booked in the next day! Not one to back down, I proceeded to join Helen in her training walks. Neither of us have undertaken anything like this before and it is a massive personal challenge for us both but one that will benefit two amazing charities.”

Alison is fundraising for CancerCare while Helen is raising money for Portage Wiltshire. Alison said: “A close friend is currently on her own journey with cancer and I have seen first hand the invaluable support that CancerCare give, not just to her but to her family as well.

“As a local charity, I understood that CancerCare supported families of all ages affected by the impact of cancer, what I didn’t realise that they also support families affected by other life limiting conditions.

“Their services are provided free of charge, and they receive no government funding, so rely totally on fundraising and generous donations – they are simply unsung heroes.

“My target of £5,000 is a challenge in itself but I am hoping that I will reach my goal for CancerCare who bring such positive support to those who are in a dark place.”

Alison’s fundraising page is at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Alison-Bargh

Helen is fundraising for Portage Wiltshire.

She said: “I became a treble nan last year but unfortunately at six weeks old my grandson Torben suffered a bleed on the brain and was seriously ill, nearly losing his battle to live.

“However, we watched as he grew stronger and battled to stay with us. Now over a year old, Torben never stops amazing us with his progress.

“Portage won’t touch all our lives, but for these special babies and children it is the most amazing help.

“I wanted to do something for Portage Wiltshire to give back what they have given to my family. I have had such a great response to my fundraising that I have surpassed my target twice!”

Helen’s fundraising page is at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/TeamTorben

Between them Alison and Helen have raised more than £8,000 for their charities.

They said: “We have both been humbled by the generosity of family, friends, neighbours, colleagues, businesses and people that we have never even met. Alone we can do so little. Together we can do so much.”