THREE friends are gearing up for a six-day walk across Spain as part of a hospice fundraising challenge.

Nigel Rimmer, 51, Robert Holmes, 49, and Ian Cockcroft, 54, will start the 124-mile trek for Pendleside Hospice from Pamplona to Belorado on August 8.

The walk is part of the Camino de France, a walk that has been taken on by millions of pilgrims from all over the world since the Middle Ages.

The trio decided to take part in the walk after Mr Holmes embarked on the full 447-mile walk last year but was unable to complete one section because of injury. Mr Rimmer, from Colne, said: “We are all keen walkers and decided last year that we wanted up the ante and do something outrageously hard.

“The walk is going to be extremely challenging as there will be very little shade along the route and at the end becomes very hilly.”

The trio will be setting off at 6am daily and will walk around 20 miles each day, carrying the weight of all their clothes and equipment.

All funds raised will be going to Pendleside Hospice as Mr Rimmer’s employer, Kirk UK, is taking part in the hospice’s corporate challenge.