A GROUP of intrepid walkers are training to do the equivalent of two and a half marathons in two days. The team of four walkers who all live in east London are setting out next month to compete against teams from the tough Gurkha regiment to raise money f

A GROUP of intrepid walkers are training to do the equivalent of two and a half marathons in two days.

The team of four walkers who all live in east London are setting out next month to compete against teams from the tough Gurkha regiment to raise money for Oxfam and the Gurkha Welfare Trust.

The team which is called The Shire Cartel aims to walk 64 miles (100km) over the South Downs in less than 30 hours, carrying their tent with them.

It is made up of 23-year-old graphic designer Graeme Critchley, wedding photographer Adam August, 24, fromWhitechapel, writer Matthew Robison, 23, from Bow, and composition student and 20-year-old musician Alex Sylt from Wapping

Mr Critchley said: "We wanted to really challenge ourselves and we enjoy physical and mental torture, Trailwalker was the perfect event. By taking part in the event we will be raising money for two very worthwhile charities, the Welfare Trust who help Gurkha's treated ashamedly by successive British Governments and Oxfam who provide vital aid and infrastructure around the globe."

They need to raise �2,000 in sponsorship and anyone who can help should contact Adam August on 0770 9592755, view the blog at www.theshirecartel.blogspot.com and sponsorship page http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/theshirecartel.