FOUR friends from Norfolk are to test their stamina and endurance against teams from the famously tough Gurkha regiments by competing in the Trailwalker - one of the most challenging team events in the world.

FOUR friends from Norfolk are to test their stamina and endurance against teams from the famously tough Gurkha regiments by competing in the Trailwalker - one of the most challenging team events in the world.

The event, in July, involves teams of four covering a 100k course across the South Downs in less than 30 hours and the Norfolk group will be raising cash for Oxfam and the Gurkha Welfare Trust.

The team is made up of Cassie Mower (Norfolk County Council Trading Standards officer, Watton farm team), Kirsty Parker (a job recruitment manager from Thetford), Laura Cook (a special needs assistant from Wymondham) and Gemma Nicolls (Trading Standards officer, Watton farm team).They will be undertaking the trek on July 17 and 18.

Trailwalker was started by Gurkha soldiers in Hong Kong in 1981 as a training exercise to test endurance and encourage teamwork. The teams must start together, go through each checkpoint together and finish the course together.

The Gurkhas currently hold the record for completing the course in an amazing nine hours and 50 minutes. But for most competitors the challenge is about lasting the distance and the average time taken is around 25 hours. The Norfolk girls hope to complete the course within 24 hours.

Team leader Cassie Mower said: 'We were looking for a challenge which was both physical and mental and Trailwalker was the perfect event. To get to the end of the course we'll be testing our fitness, endurance and also our mental stamina.

'By taking part in the event we will be raising money for two very worthwhile charities.'

Anyone wishing to sponsor the girls can do so via http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/trailblazertottie