Five Fenland women raised £3,000 for Cancer Research UK by walking 26.2 miles - the length of a marathon - overnight in London at the weekend.
Lucy Howard, Alice Howard, Charlotte Walton, Andria Fruin and Amber Howie completed the Shinewalk - battling wind and rain throughout the night - in 11 hours and 51 seconds.
They decided to take on the challenge as it is a charity that’s close to their heart. Andria defeated breast cancer and has been medically clear for the last five years. Lucy and Alice were inspired to take part in memory of their grandad, John Howard, who died from cancer in April 2007.
Lucy said: “It has got to be the most mentally, physically and emotionally draining challenge I have ever done in my life. You feel every emotion; nervous, excited, pain, angry, sad, frustrated and so so so proud!
“At mile 20 I was going to collapse on the floor from exhaustion and cried because I couldn’t not finish it and didn’t want to be a disappointment.
“I would like to thank the girls so much; Charlotte for singing randomly and being Mrs Motivator, Andria for being a pure inspiration (five years no evidence of disease), Alice for holding my bag the last six miles and getting me through it and Amber for the random conversations.
“Without us supporting each other we wouldn’t have got through it. The strangers you meet along the way help you and you help them, giving them motivation and positive thoughts to complete it.
“It is such an amazing experience! Such a tough one with the rain and winds. Thank you so much for all of your donations so far and there is still time to donate.”
Charlotte said: “What an experience.. one that I won’t be repeating again! It was fun, it was painful and exhilarating.
“Without this continuing research, there’s no guarantee my mum would be here today.
“I am so proud to have completed my biggest physical challenge.”
Amber said: “It rained most of the night and we were pretty cold near the end but it was worth it to know the difference our sponsorships can make.”
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