Debs Farrington, of Todmorden, and Louisa Clarkson, of Old Town, will be setting off for a six day trek, covering over 100 kilometres, in the foothills of the Himalayas this November but there's a lot of work to be done before then.

"It's quite a challenge doing all the fundraising, trying to organise events and find sponsorship. We both work and have children, so it's quite a juggling act," said Debs, who only moved to the area last year.

This Friday, June 27, there will be a Casino Night at Old Town Cricket Club, with casino style games, a raffle and pea and pie supper.

Debs thanked the businesses of Todmorden and Hebden Bridge for their generosity in providing raffle prizes and said there were still some tickets available.

The two trekkers will pay the cost of the trip themselves and all money raised will go directly to Overgate Hospice.

Between them they have pledged to raise at least £2,000 but hope to raise much more.

A sleep-over at Todmorden Church of England School, with 40 children, has already raised £400.

And there are a number of fundraising activities scheduled for the next few months, including a disco for the pupils of Todmorden C of E School, a domino night and bingo event at Old Town.

Both women are keen dog walkers and the hills around the Calder valley offer good training routes in preparation for the tough physical challenge ahead.

"We fly to Kathmandu and make a seven hour coach journey to where we start the trek in the Bhara Pokhari region.

"We trek for six days, about eight hours a day, going higher and higher.

"It is going to be a challenge. I've always wanted to do a trek like this for charity and it's such a worthy cause," said Debs, who is a gardener.

Louisa has worked as a creative therapist in Overgate's day centre for nine years and is one of three members of hospice staff taking part in the trek.

"Overgate is not just there for people with cancer, it helps people with many types of terminal illness and everybody knows someone who has been affected by a terminal illness.

"There will be 30 people going on this trek, which is being organised by Community Action Treks.

"We will go going through paddy fields and across rope bridges: it's going to be an adventure Indiana Jones style. And we will have to be fit as we'll be going up to 3,500 metres, just under 12,000 ft."

There are a limited number of tickets still available for the Casino Night tomorrow. Included in the ticket price of £7.50 is a pea and pie supper and people can just turn up on the night or telephone Louisa on 0798 5490419 or 01422 847335.

Debs can contacted at deborahfarrington@btinternet.com and on 07764 251227 or 01706 813674.