Tracey Knott, of Warwick Gates, and friends Sheena Cunningham and Michelle Hepburn hope to raise £3,500 for the charity.

And Leamington FC supporters at Saturday's football match helped start the fundraising with £400 after the ladies, joined by their friend Sarah Whitworth, sold raffle tickets for the cause.

The climb takes place on October 3. The group decided to take on the challenge after being inspired by a friend and neighbour at Warwick Gates who has been having treatment for breast cancer - and intends to join them on the climb.

Mrs Knott, 41, said: "She has just finished her treatment and she has six months to get fit and healthy.

"It was her idea actually and as soon as a few people signed up everyone else decided to join in too so now there will be about 20 of us from this area in total joining everyone else on the climb.

"I am also doing Race for Life this year and none of us are strangers to this sort of thing. We all keep fit and have been doing flat walking and will embark on hill walking fairly soon in preparation."

Over the coming months the group will be holding a number of fundraising events to help them reach their total including a casino night and a barbecue.

The group does not have a fundraising website or account set up yet, but anyone who wishes to make a donation can do so by calling Mrs Knott on 07903 046597 or by emailing her at tagjknott@btinternet.com