A COUPLE are trekking 100 miles in memory of their loved ones who have died of cancer.

Josie Kemp and Lauren Soley will be walking 100 miles of the Jurassic Coast in March to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

However, their trek will only go ahead if lockdown restrictions are lifted before then.

The pair, both 26, are taking on the challenge in honour of family members who both died after suffering brain tumours.

Lauren's dad, Glynn, died 14 years ago aged 57 and Josie's mum, Pippa, died in April 2020 aged 60, just 18 days after she was diagnosed.

Josie and Lauren will be walking in March as Glynn and Pippa both had birthdays in that month.

Josie said: "Walking in March holds a lot of emotional weight for both of us.

"It was just so unexpected when mum died. She had only retired a couple of weeks before she passed away and her and my dad had planned on travelling the world so it was heartbreaking for that to be taken away from them."

Josie and Lauren, both actors who met while starring in Les Miserables in the West End, plan to complete the trek in seven days and will be making stops in Lyme Regis, West Bay, Weymouth, Swanage and Lulworth.

The pair have been offered free accommodation in huts, hotels and holiday cottages along the way.

The couple, who have been together for four years, originally hoped to raise £1,000 for Cancer Research UK, but smashed their target after less than two days of launching their JustGiving page.

They now hope to raise £3,000. Josie said: "It would mean so much to us to be able to contribute to what this great organisation does. Any donation, big or small, will help.

"We want to stomp 100 miles, whatever the weather, and with each step we will spare a thought for those who have been affected by this awful illness."

She added: "For me, losing my mum has really made me realise that life is so short and we all need to grab life while we can. I want to live life to the full."

To donate to Josie and Lauren's JustGiving page, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jurassic-coast-challenge-fundraiser

You can also follow their journey on YouTube, at 'Josie & Lauren, Covers & Covering Ground'.