FUNDRAISING WALKERS: Joanna Richards, left, Sarah Breaks and Chris Davies
PALS Jo Richards and Sarah Breaks are trekking 50 miles along the Jurassic Coast for their friend, who is seriously ill with cancer.
They aim to raise £5,000 from the 'Jo-Rassic Challenge' power walk from Sidmouth to Cafe Oasis at Overcombe Corner in Weymouth for the Weldmar Hospicecare Trust.
Mrs Richards and Mrs Breaks, who both live in Sutton Poyntz, came up with the idea and name for the fundraiser with their friend Jo Davies.
Mrs Davies, 33, who lives with husband Chris and son Harvey, five, in Broadlands Road, Weymouth, has been battling a brain tumour since 2003 but has recently become more seriously ill.
Teacher Mrs Richards, 33, who lives with husband Lloyd and daughters Poppy, eight, and Honey, four, in Sutton Poyntz, said: "We want to raise as much money as possible for the trust.
"Trimar have been fantastic for the last couple of years and have really helped bring out her artistic talents through the Rosetta Life project.
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"Jo has also spent time at the Joseph Weld Hospice."
Mrs Richards, who is a teacher at St Andrew's Primary School at Preston, added: "I have been best friends with Jo since we were nine.
"Jo still knows what we are doing and is thrilled about it. This walk means so much to her and Chris. We want as many people as possible to sponsor us and help us hit the target."
Mrs Breaks, 32, who lives in Plaisters Lane with husband Jon and children Samuel, six, and Imogen, four, will tackle the walk with Mrs Richards over two days on Saturday and Sunday, June 2 and 3.
She said; "The last time the three of us went out for lunch together was at Cafe Oasis when we were planning the walk.
"That was before Jo became really ill. She chose the charity to do the walk for and really wanted to be with us at the finishing line but that's not possible now.
"She has been very much part of the walk."
They have been given sponsorship of £500 by Cafe Oasis and have also been backed by Great Western Camping, Hey Baby, Nightingale Financial Services and Wisteria Cottage bed and breakfast.
Music teacher Mrs Davies recently spent a week at the Joseph Weld Hospice. Last year she wrote a poem called But Remember This to help friends and family better understand her fight against cancer.
It achieved national recognition when it was read out to introduce an evening to celebrate the World Hospice and Palliative Care Day at the Tate Modern art gallery on London's South Bank.
Dorset County Council worker Mr Davies has been writing an online blog about how they are coping at http://chrisandjo.spaces.live.com
He urged wellwishers to sponsor the duo online at the Just Giving site at www.justgiving.com/jorassicchallenge
Mr Davies said: "I am very proud of the lengths that Jo's two friends are going to for her.
"Their blisters will help to raise much-needed funds for one of Dorset's most valuable assets.
"Jo spent more than a year using the day services at Trimar in Weymouth, and recently had a stay in Joseph Weld Hospice in Dorchester.
"Our whole family is benefiting from the services provided by Weldmar Hospicecare Trust, as we help Jo stay comfortable during her last few weeks."
Mrs Richards and Mrs Breaks aim to place an estimated time of arrival at Cafe Oasis on the website so friends and family can join them for the last mile.
They also would like to hear from anyone who can supply them with a banner for the finishing line.
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