A DEDICATED pair of friends from the Vale have taken great steps towards reaching their fundraising target by completing a gruelling 100km walk.

Ceri-Anne Wilkins, 31, from Sully, and Jackie Strawbridge, 30, from Penarth, walked from London to Brighton on Saturday, May 23, in 27 hours and 50 minutes to raise money for a cystic fibrosis centre.

They originally targeted 24 hours but say they are just glad to have completed it.

The women took on the challenge after being inspired by their friend Beth Clarke, 33, who was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at just 20 months old.

Together the three of them have set up the year-long Bertha's Army campaign to raise cash for the Cystic Fibrosis Centre at Llandough Hospital which Beth attends.

The target is to raise £10,000 for the Better Life Appeal – which supports the centre – and so far they have reached more than £4,000.

The idea is to raise the money to go towards renovating the centre in such a way as to prevent cross-infection particularly with extra beds and individual bathrooms.

They both received medals for their efforts as they came across the finish line at the racecourse in Brighton after a challenging uphill climb on the home straight.

Ceri-Anne said: "It was horrible. At about 80km I had real problems. I was covered in blisters and friction burn and I had to talk to a first aider about whether I should carry on."

They did not stop for any sleep throughout the whole walk so it was a real challenge to keep their energy levels up – especially when it got dark when all they had to see with was a head torch.

But despite all the pain and how long it took, Ceri-Anne said it was a fantastic event and that she soldiered on knowing her friend Beth had gone through worse.

In terms of support, Ceri-Anne said: "I think because it's a local charity, the people of Penarth will really get behind this cause."

There was also a celebrity backer as Matthew Wright from 'The Wright Stuff' television show tweeted his support for them before they set out.

Dr Ian Ketchell, consultant and director of the Cystic Fibrosis Unit said: “I’d like to thank Ceri-Anne and Jackie for taking on this challenge and raising funds for the Better Life Appeal. The kindness and generosity of fundraisers and supporters like these is greatly appreciated by patients and staff alike.”

The women plan to hold fundraising events of their own in the town this summer and encourage everyone to come out and support them.

You can continue to donate to the cause at www.justgiving.com/berthasarmy