TWO girls from Highworth are getting ready to push themselves to the limit to raise funds for a charity particularly close to their hearts.

Friends and work colleagues Rebecca Toft and Vicki Drumm have joined forces to put their bodies on the line to raise money for, and awareness of, the MSA Trust.

Rebecca, 22, said: “In 2015 my mum, aged 51, passed away after suffering for three years with the progressive MSA disorder. It was difficult to see mum go through her struggle with the disease. However, she never gave up.

“This is the reason why I decided to set myself the same hard challenge that I will struggle with, to raise awareness of the disease, in memory of my beautiful mum.”

Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) is a rare degenerative neurological disease which affects men and women. The disorder can result in problems with movement, balance and autonomic functions of the body such as bladder and blood pressure control.

Rebecca is currently training for a mammoth 300-mile charity bike ride from London to Paris in September. In a punishing training regime, she is clocking up 60 miles per week around the local area.

“I think I’m crazy for doing this 300-mile cycle,” said Rebecca. “I would never normally think of doing this kind of thing.

“I’m slightly nervous but at the same time I’m excited because it’s for a really great cause.

“I know my mum would be very proud of me, and that’s what’s important. I just can’t wait for September to come. I’m really buzzing for it - it will be an amazing experience. I can’t wait.”

Vicki, who works with Rebecca at the SPAR service station in Highworth, and who loves to run, has decided to join her friend in the challenge by signing up for the Swindon Half Marathon.

“I want to support Rebecca and help her raise more funds for the MSA Trust, which encourages me to push myself harder while I’m in training,” said Vicki, 27.

Together Rebecca and Vicki aim to raise £1,500.

The MSA Trust is the UK’s leading charity that supports people with MSA. Its mission is to find the cause and, ultimately, cure for MSA.

Vicki will be one of many runners hoping to complete the Swindon Half Marathon in September.

“I’m really looking forward to it, it’s going to be great,” she said.

The Swindon Half is currently accepting entries and organisers are confident that it will go ahead this year.

To support the girls by donating to the cause, log on to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Rebecca-Toft-MSA.

Alternatively, if you are a local business who would like to sponsor the girls in their challenge, please pop into the SPAR at Highworth and speak to Rebecca or Vicki.