A GROUP of four friends will be walking over 100 miles through the Cotswolds to raise money for the fight against cancer.

The four men decided to do the challenge next month after a family member became unwell with the disease. 

Ian Syril, Mark Pearsall, Dave Cumberland and Luke Cunningham will be walking along the Cotswold Way on July 6 from Bath and finishing at The Fleece Inn in Bretforton. 

The journey is planned to take six days. 

The group lives in villages close to The Fleece Inn, in Bretforton, Honeybourne and Badsey.

Mr Cunningham, who has never gone rambling or hiking before, said: "Mark had a family member with prostate cancer and we know someone in Bretforton who has recovered from prostate cancer. 

"Everyone in the village is quite close and it's a brilliant cause, we want to raise money as well as awareness.

"Mark suggested the challenge one night and explained the background and we all said alright let's go for it.

"I've never done anything like this before in my life, I've never done rambling or hiking, but we have been practicing every week since January.

"To be honest I have found a new passion and I am planning to carry on when the challenge is over."

The group set a goal of raising £1,000 but have already raised over £1,300, with just under a month to go until the walk begins.

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Mr Cunningham continued: "I have lived in Bretforton for the last four years and it's on the cusp of the Cotswolds. 

"It's going to be a beautiful walk and 102 miles is a good distance. 

"The guy in the village got through it but he nearly passed away.

"We will be finishing at The Fleece Inn and we are hoping to see as many people as possible. 

"We are also hoping to have a bit of a fun day after to celebrate at The Fleece Inn on August 2."

The Cotswold Way walk was first conceived over 50 years ago by The Ramblers Association, and goes from Chipping Campden to Bath. 

The group will be doing the reverse and will be stopping at various B&Bs throughout their journey.