NERVES are building as intrepid airmen Ozzy Hicks, Al Meadows and Dan Wilkinson prepare for the mother of all challenges in aid of Swindon CALM.

The trio from RAF Lyneham are heading to Hadrian’s Wall, in Northumberland, on Thursday to begin their 84-mile non-stop run for the Children’s Cancer And Leukaemia Movement.

The charity funds caravan holidays for children suffering from the illnesses and supports families of sick children.

It has two static caravans, one in Exmouth and the other in Tenby, which are replaced every three years so they remain in a good condition.

The trio are hoping to raise £5,000 in sponsorship to help pay for the replacement – a target they are getting closer to every day.

“Reality has hit us now and the nerves are setting in as we take stock of what a huge undertaking this is going to be,” said Ozzy, 40.

The trio, stationed with 24/30 Squadron, will begin the feat in the early hours of Friday morning, burning off 20,000 calories in the course of the challenge.

For Ozzy the hard work won’t stop there as, just days after completing the challenge, he is set to be deployed overseas.

The team have been training whenever their busy jobs will allow, taking to the treadmill at the Outlet Centre on Saturday to raise awareness of the challenge.

Each runner ran for two and a half hours raising almost £1,000 from supportive shoppers.

“The weekend was great and we had lots of support from people,” said Ozzy.

“We’re really confident we’ll hit the £5,000 mark which would be great for the charity and would really make a difference.”

The team are hoping to finish within 30 hours and will be relying on energy bars and isotonic drinks to get them through when their energy levels dip.

Swindon CALM chairman Richard Crowley, said: “All of us at CALM are proud that 24/30 Squadron are supporting our charity in such an amazing way.

“The crew members have done several endurance challenges for CALM over the past three years, including running in the Swindon Half Marathon and competing in a 24-hour rowathon, but this must be the most difficult one to date.

“We'll be cheering Ozzy, Al and Dan on all the way and we look forward to the call on Saturday morning to tell us they've reached the finishing line.”

To sponsor the trio, visit their website at www.justgiving.com/ calmthewall.