The public services students from Wigan and Leigh College, have planned the scenic 12-kilometre trek to raise money for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

But the eight-strong gang have decided to steer clear of any imposing peaks, opting instead to take the Roman road from Windermere to Penrith, on the April 23 venture.

Rory Spragg, 18, who has organised the fund-raiser, said: "We are hoping to raise around £500 and have chosen this charity because many people we know have been affected by cancer.

"Because of that, we all have the highest respect for the work the Marie Curie nurses do in the community."

Rory will be joined on the walk by fellow students Stephen Penman, Samantha Ormesher, Thomas Harwood, Anthony Eyre, Adam Flaherty, Matthew Sanders and Alex Howarth.

Stephen, also 18, came up with the idea of walking for Marie Curie Cancer Care after the charity's nurses helped his 72-year-old grandma, Dorothy Halliwell, of Scholes, recover from breast cancer twice.

He said: "Thanks to the Marie Curie nurses' care and attention, she was able to overcome it.
"They were fantastic. If ever she needed anything they were there for her. The charity is amazing.

"My grandma is so grateful to them for what they did so that's why I want us to do something to help."

Marie Curie nurses provide free care to cancer patients and those with other terminal illnesses in their own homes.

Research commissioned by the charity shows that 64 per cent of people would choose to die at home, but in reality only 25 per cent ever achieve this.

The eight Wigan walkers are now adding the final contents to their rucksacks, ready for the four-and-a-half-hour walk.

Stephen said: "We have all the right gear, the college has loaned us some maps and compasses.

"We are just waiting on some t-shirts from Marie Curie now.
"I think we'll all manage the walk fine, depending on the weather!
"We just want to go that extra distance to help other people."