A GROUP of friends from Padiham are planning a 26-mile marathon trek across the Greek sunshine island of Corfu to raise money for Pendleside Hospice.

The holiday event has been organised by Greg Holden and his wife, Dianne, who live in Padiham.

They will be joined by 26 members of family and friends who are all going off on a two week holiday together in July.

Greg, 42, a benefits officer with Burnley Council, said: "It is the third year we will have been together to Corfu.

"Both times previously we have had an excellent time and hopefully this one will be just as good."

The group will take time off away from the beach and pool to walk the 26 miles from the resort of Sidari to Corfu Town. Greg said: "I don't know about calling at tavernas on route but there will need to be plenty of water stops on route in the heat with temperatures often exceeding 100 degrees."

He added: "We decided to raise money for the hospice because I had a sister who died of cancer at the age of 37.

"That was about 20 years ago before hospice care was available."

Dianne, a medical receptionist, spent a spell of volunteering in the fund-raising office and saw at first hand the struggle to bring in enough money for running the vital services.

The walkers are being sponsored for the walk. Anyone wanting to add their support is asked to contact the Hospice at Reedley on 01282 440100.

Hospice Care for Burnley and Pendle has to raise more than £800,000 this year from voluntary groups and money-raising events.

Kaye Bartle, hospice fund-raising manager, said: "We are grateful to Greg, Diane and their friends for giving up part of their holiday to support the hospice.

"We are constantly amazed by the lengths people will go to support us."