A WALK spanning the 147 mile long Viking Way will be the challenge for work pals Ben Cross and Jason Maltby in their bid to raise for money for a children’s charity.


Ben, 28, of Mill Lane in Horncastle, and Jason, 23, of Oak Close in Louth will embark on their journey on Saturday to raise money for Grimsby based St Andrew’s Children’s Hospice.


The Viking Way stretches from Barton on Humber in the north to Oakham in Rutland in the south.


Ben said: “I wanted a challenge and my mum suggested walking the Viking Way.”


Ben and Jason, who work as print assistants at Morton’s in Horncastle, have a target to raise £500 for the charity.


“We wanted to do something for a local charity that helps children and St Andrew’s Children’s Hospice doesn’t get any funding from the government,” said Ben.


The duo hope to complete the walk within five days and walk up to 50 miles a day.


To train for the challenge, Ben plays footballand has been walking in the Horncastle area while Jason has been working out at the gym.


Ben and Jason said they are dreading getting blisters and cramps but most of all are looking forward to raising as much money as possible for St Andrew’s Children’s Hospice.


Armed with their entire luggage and camping equipment in back packs, Ben and Jason will be rattling their charity money boxes en route in the hope of getting some donations from people they meet.


Ben and Jason would like to thank everyone for who has sponsored them and also St Andrew’s Children’s Hospice for their help in arranging the trip.


If you would like to sponsor Ben and Jason visit www.justgiving.com/bencross or call 07588 016413.


For more information about the charity visit www.standrewschildrenshospice.co.uk