FOUR friends from Redditch are taking steps to raise cash for a cause close to their hearts.

Julie Senior, Rachel Walmsley, Julie Ingram and Sharon Clarke, otherwise known as 'The Hopeful Honeys', are taking part in The Aviva Weekend for Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

The two-day walk through Birmingham in September will cover 60km and raise money to further research into the prevention and cure of breast cancer.

A similar event held in London last year raised £5.4 million for the cause.

Sharon has fought a yearlong battle with breast cancer, inspiring her chums to initiate the fundraising.

The group needs to raise at least £1,500 to take part in the event and is looking for sponsorship.

Some of the companies already pledging their help include UK NSI, Morrisons, Boots, Humphries, Bromsgrove and Redditch Trophies and NVS Nail Bar, as well as Redditch Fire Station.

Anyone interested in helping out can log on to www.breakthroughweekend.org