Sisters from Bassingbourn are to take on a 50km walk to raise cash for causes close to their hearts.

Leanne Thompson, 15, and her 18-year-old sister Natalie are to take on the Thames Path Challenge – walking just over 31 miles in one day along the iconic river for the MS Society and Cancer Research UK.

The girls have the support of mum Wendy, dad Robert, Leanne’s twin sister Kimberley, and their eight-year-old little sister Stacey for the effort, which is part of the Ultra Challenge series.

Mum Wendy said: “We are all very proud that Natalie and Leanne decided they wanted to fundraise for charity by doing the walk.

“They chose the causes because we have had family members who have suffered with cancer and we have relatives that have MS, so they know how important it is to support these causes.

“All my children are very close, and I know Leanne and Natalie will help each other through it.”

Leanne, who goes to Bassingbourn Village College, said: “I’m really excited about it – it feels really good to be able to give something back.

“Obviously it’s a big walk and we know it will be tough, but we will cheer each other on.

“We have been training, because it would be quite a shock if we didn’t! When I told my friends they were really shocked at how far we will be walking, but they have been really supportive.

“I don’t know what I’ll do after the walk, but I know it will involve a lot of rest.”

The sisters have a goal to raise £275 for each of their two charities, and Leanne held a cake stall fundraiser at school to help them reach their target.

Natalie, who has just finished her A-levels, has so far raised £193 – and Leanne isn’t far behind with £177 for Cancer Research UK.

The pair start off at 8.40am at Bishop’s Park in Fulham on Saturday, September 9, and will walk the 50km along the Thames to Runnymede in Surrey. More than 3,000 challengers are expected to take part in the trek, where you can also carry on to complete a 100km route at Henley-on-Thames.

Leanne added: “For both of us this is our first charity event, therefore we would be very grateful for any donations we receive.

“This can be done by visiting our fundraising pages at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/leanne-thompson2017 and www.justgiving.com/fundraising/natalie-thompson19.”