Rachel Dodsworth - clinical nursing manager at Cathcart and Winn Veterinary Clinic in Farnham - is walking the 100-mile South Downs National Way for nine consecutive days in aid of Cancer Research UK.

She will be joined by partner Louis Assheton and their dogs Alfie, seven, and Mouse, nine, on the walk from Winchester to Eastbourne which starts on September 19.

It comes a year after Louis’s father David died of cancer and Rachel’s aunt Val was diagnosed with breast cancer, for which she is now monitored.

Rachel said: “We love walking so we decided to do our longest walk yet while raising money for an important cause.

“Before this our longest walk has been 12 miles, so this is definitely going to be a huge challenge.

“We started training some months ago by doing long hikes around the local countryside, including lots of inclines to help with the South Downs’ hills.”

Rachel added: “Previously I completed the Vet Charity Challenge, which supports various small animal charities. It saw our team of four take on cross country running, mountain biking, kayaking and orienteering.

“Louis also completed the Muddy Dog Challenge to support Dogs Trust.

“We’re looking forward to taking on this challenge together with our dogs and supporting a charity which means so much to us both. We’d be really grateful of any support for Cancer Research UK.”

Visit www.justgiving.com/page/louis-rachel-1724003134675 to donate or find out more details.

For more information about Cathcart and Winn visit www.cathcartandwinn.com