SISTERS-IN-LAW Denise and Kerry Hampshire smashed their 60,000-step challenge to raise money for victims of domestic abuse.

They set themselves a target to walk the distance across six days for The Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service.

Denise and Kerry, from Wroughton, wanted to help the charity keep up its 24-hour support service during the pandemic.

Denise, 47, told the Adver: “I saw that they were desperate for funds because they usually get their income from their shop in Swindon. But now that’s closed they have been struggling.

“So me and my sister-in-law decided to use all the time we had and do something for charity.”

The support service has an emergency 24-hour helpline for victims of domestic abuse.

The charity has said since the Covid-19 outbreak, domestic abuse calls to national helplines has gone up 700 per cent.

Both walked 60,000 steps a day across six days and they were joined by friends and partners along the way.

Kerry added: “It’s not something I’ve suffered myself but I felt that during this time, for anyone going through this, it's just awful.

"I’ve supported this charity a number of times before. I did a swap shop and 30 or 40 people got involved.”

The pair counted their steps as they walked along the Wilts & Berks Canal, round Alexandra Park and on the Kennett & Avon cycle route.

Denise said: “We tracked our steps through our Fitbits and we tried out different walks. It was very difficult – we even ended up with blisters.

“I wouldn’t say that we’re fit. It’s not something we do regularly as we might have the odd day we go for a long walk but we can cope with that.

“Doing it constantly over six days is a really tough challenge.”

The pair kept their friends, family and donators updated with daily videos of their walks to let them know how they’re getting on.

Both of them stayed positive throughout the six days despite it being a tough challenge to complete.

And their fundraising target of £600 was smashed as they received £840 in donations.

She said: “All the messages we’ve got about what we’re doing have been fantastic.

"People have been telling us that we’re doing a great job and they’ve just showed a lot of support.

“I’m just glad we’re raising a bit of awareness about the struggles victims go through.”

A spokesperson for the charity said: “Denise and Kerry are just nuts about walking and what a great way to raise money for us. Thank you ladies.”

To donate to their cause go to justgiving.com/crowdfunding/denkez