Two friends from Colchester will walk at midnight for a charity which is close to their hearts.

 

Frances Chambers, of Penrice Close, and Janet Smith, of Tippett Close, are preparing for the St Helena Hospice Midnight Walk next month.

 

Miss Chambers, 38, is taking part as she has lost close family members, including her dad, Jim Chambers, and mother-in-law, Betty Leech, to cancer.

 

The mother-of-three, who volunteers for the hospice, said: “It’s about helping other people, but it’s mainly helping the hospice. They do such great work for people and their families. They need all the money they can get.”

 

Mrs Smith lost her dad, Les Joyce, to cancer, as well as friends to the disease.

 

But for the 48-year-old, who has so far raised about £170, the walk is also a personal challenge. The mother-of-two said: “My marriage broke up and my life hasn’t gone as I wanted it to. It’s an achievement for me to do it for myself.”

 

To sponsor Miss Chambers, e-mail frances-chambers@live.co.uk. To sponsor Mrs Smith, call 01206 510890.