TWO mothers are set to have the trek of a lifetime when they take part in a sponsored visit to India and Nepal to raise money for a women's health charity.

Julie Hart, 43, of Ollards Grove, Loughton, and friend Joanne Durham, 47, of Monkhams Lane, Woodford Green, will spend five gruelling days hiking 58 kilometres through the Himalayas for the group Wellbeing of Women in April.

The duo, who both have three children, have collected more than £3,000 in sponsorship already, but with a total of £6,400 needed, they are appealing to residents in the area to dig deep and help them out.

Ms Durham said: “It really is going to be tough and we have had to put in a lot of training but we know it will be worth it.

“It is proving to be a big personal challenge both in terms of mind and body and actually fitting in the training required around busy family lives and careers.

“For both of us it will be the first time we have left our children for more than a day or two.”

To sponsor the pair visit http://www.justgiving.com/trekjo or www.justgiving.com/juliehart.