TWO friends are getting ready to lace up their walking boots to climb up a mountain for charities close to their hearts.

Sue Mather and Jeanette Taylor are climbing Snowdon in May for Alzheimer’s Society and St Helena Hospice.

Sue, who is 68 and lives in Low Road, Dovercourt, is taking part in the climb in memory of her father, Ian Edmond, who suffered from Alzheimer’s. He died 11 years ago.

She said: “There is so much good research being done at present and I wanted to help in a small way with the ongoing costs of this research.

“I have previously rowed in the Great River Race oTn the Thames for the same charity.”

The sporty pensioner has also completed the London Marathon, Harwich sprint triathlon, several rowing races – including Ocean to City in Cork, Ireland – and won a gold medal at the 2016 British Indoor Rowing Championships.

She added: “I already do a lot of training at the gym, walking with three walking groups and rowing on the Stour once a week, but will be doing a session once a week with Jeanette to tackle the climb.”

Jeanette, 53, of Fronks Road, Dovercourt, was diagnosed with mouth cancer two years ago and felt inspired to take on the challenge of climbing Snowdon when she made a full recovery.

She said: “As a recovering cancer patient, I wanted to raise money for the hospice to give back something in gratitude for being here and helping to make a difference to others’ lives.”

Mum-of-four Jeanette, who runs KCT Mobility in Dovercourt, has been an aerobics teacher and often runs to keep her fitness up.

The pair will be running five kilometres three times a week and walking every day, as well as training once a week up hills.

To sponsor Jeanette, visit, uk.virginmoneygiving.com Jeanette Taylor- Climbing Snowdon.

To sponsor Sue, visit justgiving.com and search for Susanna-Mather.

Alternatively, sponsorship money can be donated at KCT Mobility directly.

Jeanette is also set to hold a number of cake stalls to fundraise for St Helena Hospice.