THREE Okehampton girls are set to take on the challenge of a lifetime by running the London Marathon next year.

Cathy Carey, who missed out this year due to injury, convinced her friends Jo Camies and Ali Holliday to take on the challenge with her.

Cathy said: 'I was very upset and disappointed about not being able run this year, especially as I had raised a lot of money for charity.

'After recovering from my injury I started to run again with Ali and Jo, and I suggested they might like to run the marathon with me.'

Cathy already had her place in the marathon confirmed, as her entry was deferred from this year. Luckily, Ali was successful in gaining a place through the initial ballot she entered in March — she will be raising money for Devon Air Ambulance. Jo was unsuccessful in the ballot, but managed to get a place through the charity, Bliss, for which Cathy has already raised more than £4,000.

Jo said: 'We never expected to get a place, but this is something I have always wanted to do and I am very excited about being able to take part with my friends.'

The trio have decided to carry on with Cathy's fundraising efforts and will be holding a quiz night at Okehampton's Pretoria Vaults on November 19.

The event kicks off at 7.30pm, with the quiz starting at 8pm.

Teams of four can enter for £10.

All proceeds will go to Devon Air Ambulance and Bliss premature baby charity.

Cathy, Jo and Ali are hoping to raise as much money as possible to make all their effort worthwhile.

Ali said: 'We really want to get as much as we can for the two charities and I want to prove to everyone that with effort you can achieve anything, even if you have short legs like me!'

To support Jo, Ali and Cathy you can enter the quiz on November 19 or visit their justgiving web pages. All donations will be greatly appreciated. To support the girls, go to http://www.justgiving.com/jocamies">www.justgiving.com/jocamies