A GROUP of sporty friends are tackling a 24-hour walking challenge to raise funds for a charity which supports soldiers and their families.

Five pals Pam Dixon, 50, Leanne Woodrow, 33, Tracy Bradfield, 48, Jason Bradfield, 49, and Helen Rich, 48, met during bootcamp exercise classes.

They will be competing in Scotland’s Cateran Yomp - a 54-mile walk to be completed in 24 hours starting and finishing in Blairgowrie, Perthshire.

They will set off on Saturday, June 9, and are hoping to raise £1,000 for the ABF The Soldiers Charity.

The team, named The Golden Yompers, want to raise money for the cause as Jason’s son Jarrod is in the Coldstream Guards.

Helen, who lives in Thorpe-le-Soken with her husband Simon and her son Tom, said: “The ABF The Soldiers Charity helps soldiers and their families in times of need and reading some of the stories puts the challenge into perspective.

“If putting ourselves through this hardship for 24 hours can raise some money it is more than worthwhile.”

The friends have been training as much as possible to make it over the finishing line. Helen said: “We’re conscious training in Essex isn’t going to get us ready for the hills of Perthshire, so we’re planning a long-distance training walk on the South Downs next month.

“We’re putting everything into this and have never been more determined to do anything in our lives.

“The 54-mile yomp is the longest of the distances available and we wanted to push ourselves.”

The ambitious group have already raised about £700, but are hoping to smash their target of £1,000 before they take on the Cairngorm Mountains.

To donate visit soldierscharity.org and search The Golden Yompers.