A FARMING community is set to come together for an epic charity challenge in memory of a mum-of-three.

Linzey Smith, who farmed New Barn Farm, just a stone’s throw from Darwen Tower, with husband John and sons Noah, 15, Seth 13 and five-year-old Eric, died of cancer last year after a two-year fight against the disease, aged 42.

Now farmer neighbour Jimmy Fisher, together with other local farmers and Tockholes villagers, have devised a triathlon style event that will raise funds for Rosemere Cancer Foundation but which is so tough, it is having to be being split over the entire weekend from today, Friday, to Sunday.

Jimmy said: “Linzey was at the heart of our community. She was a much-loved daughter, sister and an extremely loving mother to her three young sons and wife to her soulmate John.

“She also had a really tough side to her, which shone through in her cancer battle. She died all too young but she never backed down or gave up and it is in this determined spirit that we have come up with the challenge. It is designed to take everyone out of their comfort zone and raise some much needed funds in Linzey’s memory.”

Around 50 challenge participants have already signed up, half of which are taking on the full challenge, which starts with an hour’s swim at Darwen Pool tonight.

On Saturday, participants have to walk the Yorkshire Three Peaks, setting out from Horton-in-Ribblesdale to climb Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough en route to completing the 26-mile hike.

If this wasn’t enough, Sunday’s demand is a 101-mile cycle starting and finishing at the Royal Arms in Tockholes, via Ribchester, Scorton, Blackpool, Preston and Abbey Village.

Both the walk and cycle will be marshalled by support teams with support vans and bike mechanics accompanying the memorial peloton.

Jimmy, who will be among those attempting all three legs, added: “It is a very tough challenge however, it’s a personal challenge and about pushing your goals and expectations in the same way Linzey did every day.

“If anyone would like to join us, they would be made most welcome but if the adventure is not for you, please help our fundraising and share details of the challenge with anyone you think might like to take part.”

To donate to the challenge’s fundraising page go to https://www.justgiving.com/page/linzeysmithchallenge