THREE women from local pubs have joined forces for a fundraising trek across the Canadian rocky mountains.

Jan Hill, owner of the Castle in Southend, Jo Carey, licensee of The Esplanade, and Evey Gue, landlady of the Exhibition Inn, will trek across the mountain range to raise money for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Jan, 60, said: “Evey and I both turned 60 this year, and it popped into our heads to do something out of the ordinary. After we decided to do it Jo asked to join us.

“We all only started training in the last few months, and it’s hard trying to fit in all the walking after working in the pub all day.

“I wish I’d done it years ago – it’s made me realise how important exercise is, and how revived and fresh you feel after just going for a walk.” The women jet off on Saturday, September 21, with 45 other people from across the UK, and will walk for around six hours every day for five days.

They have already exceeded their target of £12,000, and thanks to a variety of fundraising events, which range from selling fish and chip suppers to walking on hot coals, they estimate they have raised between £13,000 and £14,000 so far.

Jo, aged 37, said: “Now my boots are broken in, I’m alright. It’s not knowing what to expect which worries me slightly – we’ve had to pack for every eventuality.

“I’m just really glad we’ve hit our target for the fundraising before we go!”

To sponsor the event, visit www.justgiving.com/yvonne-gue or www.justgiving.com/jo-carey