IT is not just The Proclaimers who would walk 500 miles – two university friends have taken up the challenge to walk the distance to raise money for Cancer Research UK. Chloe Barnham, 22, of Ashwell Close in Graveley, and Jay Gallagher, 23, from Aberdeen,

IT is not just The Proclaimers who would walk 500 miles - two university friends have taken up the challenge to walk the distance to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

Chloe Barnham, 22, of Ashwell Close in Graveley, and Jay Gallagher, 23, from Aberdeen, have decided to walk from Jay's hometown to Chloe's in just 25 days.

The pair set off today (Friday) and will raise about �1,800 in sponsorship if they complete their challenge.

Chloe said: "It may be a sad fact, but the truth is that almost everyone will be affected by cancer at some point in their lifetime.

"However, survival rates are ever increasing and this is predominantly as a result of research, the largest single funder of which is Cancer Research UK.

"So it is for this amazing cause that Jay and I have made the decision to spend 25 days walking 500 miles.

"That's approximately 250 hours of walking through countryside, villages, towns and cities, carrying all essentials on our backs.

"Sure, there will be a little pain, a lot of moaning, and perhaps even a lapse in personal hygiene, but in our minds it's worth it!"

Victoria Gilham, Cancer Research UK's area volunteer manager for Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire, said: "We are always grateful to those who fundraise for us. We receive no government funding so we are entirely dependant on the generosity of the public."

To sponsor the pair, visit www.justgiving.co.uk/i-would-walk-500-miles