A University of Brighton student is preparing to walk 100 kilometres from Eastbourne to Arundel to raise money for Cancer Research UK.
Rosie Birch will take on the South Coast Ultra Challenge on 5 and 6 September alongside her friend Will Lydon.
The pair, who are fundraising under the name Miles for Smiles, will tackle around 2,100 metres of elevation as they make their way along the South Coast.
Rosie, who studies Creative Writing at the University of Brighton, is raising money for Cancer Research UK, while Brighton-born Will is supporting mental health charity Mind.
They are due to set off from Eastbourne at 8am on Saturday, 5 September, with the aim of reaching Brighton before stopping overnight.
The pair will then resume the challenge at around 7am on Sunday before heading towards the finish in Arundel.
Rosie said she has always enjoyed walking but admitted the 100km distance would be a major step up.
She said: “I love walking and hiking, especially because I find it’s so good for your physical and mental wellbeing but 100km is a whole different level. I’m definitely going to have to dig deep!”
Until recently, Rosie did not own walking boots and had previously completed long walks in trainers.
She has since been breaking in new boots, buying hiking socks and preparing for what she believes could be one of the biggest challenges of the event — blisters.
Music will also play an important part in keeping the pair motivated, with Will, who is a DJ, putting together a playlist for the walk.
Rosie chose Cancer Research UK because several close friends have lost parents to the disease.
She said: “I’d love to live in a world without cancer. It’s something that has affected so many people I know, and that’s why raising money for Cancer Research UK feels really personal to me.”
Mind is also a cause close to both of them.
Rosie previously worked as Communities Officer at Brighton Students’ Union, where she focused on supporting students and promoting mental wellbeing.
Despite the physical demands ahead, she says her focus is firmly on reaching Arundel.
Rosie added: “I think I’ve done as much mental preparation as I can. The rest is going to be physical. I’m just really looking forward to getting to Arundel, celebrating with Will and having that glass of Prosecco!”
Rosie is fundraising for Cancer Research UK, while Will is raising money for Mind.
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