FOUR women who have been close since they were schoolgirls of 14 are taking part in a 24-hour sponsored ramble in memory of a fifth friend who died four years ago.

The quartet plan to walk continuously around Wimbleball Lake on Saturday July 27 from 10am, either individually or at times all together, and are inviting anyone who would like to walk with them to join in for a section and make a donation.

Their best friend Emma Harris, from Alcombe, whose maiden name was Sully, died at the age of 29 from bowel cancer, and Hannah Norman, Jess Bishop, Vicky Stevens and Holly York have chosen Wimbleball as it was one of her favourite places.

“We wanted to do this in Emma’s memory. She was a really special friend,” said Hannah.

“It’s going to be a challenge – especially for Holly as she’s pregnant, but we’ll do it for Em.”

The group plan to share the money raised between three charities linked to Emma, including St Margaret’s Hospice, which cared for her, the Butterfly Book Award, set up in her memory, and Bowel Cancer UK.

“She was an English teacher who loved reading, and the Butterly Book Award was set up by her mum as a reward scheme to encourage children at Knights Templar First School in Watchet, which was the first school Emma went to, and Kingsmead School in Wiveliscombe where she was a teacher,” said Hannah.

The group set out to raise £300 in sponsorship for the Wimbleball Ramble but have already reached £1,250.

“It’s lovely we already have a nice sum because there are three charities to share it between,” said Hannah.

Friends and family are also going to be there with refreshments fun things for children to do, including a story corner where Winnie the Pooh will be read, and a butterfly quiz on the walk.

Hannah said South West Lakes Trust who run Wimbleball had been very supportive of the ramble.

The route lap of the lake is 14.5k and anyone who would like to is welcome to join in on the day for a lap or part of one.

To find out more visit Wimbleball Ramble for Emma on Facebook, or donate at gofundme.com/the-wimbleball-ramble-for-emma