INTREPID friends are taking on the Chasing the Sun challenge to help raise funds for the NSPCC.

Jan Edwards and Karen Halifax, both of Burley-in-Wharfedale, and aged 42, will be packing their bike helmets, paddles and hiking boots and heading to the Lake District to take on the multi activity sponsored challenge, on Saturday, May 30.

Chasing the Sun involves a bike, hike and canoe in the stunning surroundings of the Lake District, all between sunrise and sunset on May 30.

The challenge starts with 25 miles of biking in the Grizedale Forest, before a three-mile kayak on Lake Coniston. The final challenge is a trek up and back down the iconic peak of Old Man of Coniston, at 803 metres.The aim is to complete all three challenges before sunset.

Mum-of-two Jan, who runs Wharfedale Deli with her husband Dave, said: “I was looking for a new challenge that didn’t involve such intensive, time consuming training as the marathons I have trained for previously, and this looked just perfect.

“I’ve never done kayaking before, and I must admit, this is going to be my most challenging area. I’m not confident in the water but knowing I have Karen in the boat with me will help me through, I’m sure!

“I love the Lake District, and I hope we get a fantastic day to enjoy the stunning countryside. I’ve done the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge in the past, so I know how tough the mountain climb will be, but I’m really looking forward to it. I bought a road bike last year too, so although I’ve had a bit of practise at this, it’s still very new to me, so fingers crossed my legs will hold out and I’m hoping I’ll cross the finish line before the sun sets.

“My children are my inspiration for fundraising for events like this. They are my world but not all kids are as lucky as mine. There are too many horrific stories that break my heart daily, and if my small contributions can help even one child have a better childhood, then it’s worth every ache and blister.”

Karen, who works in field marketing for Suzuki Cars, is also a mum of two children. She said: “Jan and I know each other as two of our children are best friends. She knew I was a reluctant runner and suggested we train for a marathon together and we’ve been friends ever since.

“We’ve taken on a few challenges – we’ve done the Edinburgh marathon twice and the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge. However, both our husbands made us promise we wouldn’t do any more marathons as the training is so time consuming, and came up with this instead!

“I’m really excited about this challenge as I’ve never cycled or kayaked any distance before so we’re entering into unchartered, yet scenic territory!”

Jan and Karen are just two of the 150 people expected to take part in ‘Chasing the Sun’ for the NSPCC. The charity hopes the event will raise £50,000 in sponsorship for its services for children and young people.

Elaine Kaye, NSPCC community fundraising manager for Yorkshire, said: “I would like to thank Jan and Karen for taking part in ‘Chasing the Sun’ and fundraising for the NSPCC. We really couldn’t continue helping vulnerable children and young people without the support of people like them.”

Jan and Karen are still fundraising to meet their target of £350 each. You can sponsor them www.virginmoneygiving.com/JanineEdwards and www.virginmoneygiving.com/KarenHalifax.