A TRIO of friends will take on a 50km challenge to raise money for charities.

Esther Newman, Denise Glover and Emma McArdle are training for the Thames Path Challenge on September 12 and 13.

The route heads 40km upstream from Putney Bridge to Runnymede, of Magna Carta fame.

Esther, human resources manager at Churchfields Academy, Salcombe Grove, Swindon, is doing her second challenge for cancer charity CLIC, in memory of her sister, Zoe Rhodes Taylor, who died at the age of six from leukaemia.

“This is my second time on the Thames Path. In 2013 I did the 25k with colleagues from Churchfields and raised over £600 for CLIC,” she said.

“The charity is very important, which is why I have decided to do it for CLIC again and also challenge myself to double the distance.

“The route is beautiful down the Thames and you meet many people along the way who have a wonderful story of why they are completing the challenge.

“I was 16 when I lost my sister. Knowing that this money will help families of children with cancer and leukemia means I am giving something back.

“The times we had together were made special because of CLIC.

"We were able to remain a family while Zoe had treatment in Bristol by staying in a ‘home from home’ they provided.

"This meant we were able to spend our last Christmas together in Bristol."

“I can never thank CLIC enough for the memories of this precious time which I will have forever.”

Former school friend Denise remembers the difficult time when Esther lost her sister which is why she has chosen to take part.

“Having my own child now I cannot imagine what families of those who have an ill child must go through. Every penny helps,” she said.

Emma, a fleet specialist at the TH White Ltd transport firm, is doing her first long distance challenge for the MS Society, in memory of her friend Yolly (Mariola) Krawczyk-King.

“I’m fund-raising for the Multiple Sclerosis Society in memory of my friend Yolly who despite suffering never moaned about her condition and smiled every day.

“I have lost five stone over the last two years.

"Yolly was my inspiration so I wanted to finish off with something to challenge me mentally and physically.”

The MS Society is the UK’s leading charity dedicated to beating multiple sclerosis; investing in world class MS research to find the cause and cure for this devastating neurological condition and providing vital support, information and services to those affected.

Esther added: “Between us we have already raised about £500 through support from friends and family. £300 of this was raised through bag packing at the Co-op in Old Town.”

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/Esther-Newman2/?utm_id=25, www.justgiving.com/Denise-webb3/?utm_id=22 and www.justgiving.com/Girlracer30/?utm_id=22.