BRA-busting women from across West Somerset will be striding along the London Marathon route from midnight tomorrow (Saturday) as they join the national Moonwalk event. A 52-strong contingent of walkers from the district will be determined to prove their stamina in the 26- mile jaunt - and show off the results of a series of bra-decorating parties. Kitted out in undergarments ranging from the extreme - a celebration of Elvis Presley - to the unashamedly glitzy, pink and fluffy, the women will be hoping to raise at least £10,000 for breast cancer charities. They have been training together, gradually building up their endurance levels, for many months in a schedule put together by the Moonwalk organisers and co-ordinated by West Somerset's principle enthusiast Esther Legg, who has worked tirelessly to encourage the aspiring fundraisers. And in addition to cajoling family and friends for sponsorship pledges, the local appeal has been further boosted by locally-based Tony Pryce Sports. With New Balance, one of the main sponsors of the Moonwalk donating £10 for every pair of their shoes bought by participants in the event, Tony Pryce has added a further £5 for those bought in the Minehead store. The £150 cheque was handed over this week to the walkers by Adrian Giblett, managing director of Tony Pryce, whose wife Jo, the company's human resources director, is taking part in the event. "We've been training for months and personally I shan't be sorry if I never have to pound a road again," she said. "But we're all looking forward to doing the walk, although we think it will take us around eight hours." With sleeping bags and pillows packed for the journey up to London, the women's coach will be packed with bottles of wine for the return trip. "We'll be looking forward to sleeping but also celebrating," said Jo. "There's been a great team spirit amongst the West Somerset walkers and we're delighted with the amount we think we are going to raise. "Most people know someone who has suffered from breast cancer, so it means a lot to all of us to be able to do this." Among those taking part are Lane Stevens, Teresa Arthington, Barbara Cornish, Janice Malarkey, Sue Potter, Esther Legg, Adrian Giblett, Kim Batchelor, Heather Crockford, Jenny McGowan and Julia Marklew.
