A GROUP of intrepid fundraisers from Sherborne say they’ve conquered their Everest after completing a charity half-marathon walk.

Six members from Sherborne Town Band, who call themselves the Sherborne Brass Belles, raised more than £3,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support after completing the 13-mile London Winter Walk at the weekend.

Marie Osborne, Julie James, Andrea Rogers, Julie Bulgin, Melonie Brunton and Kirsty Blencowe all completed the challenge in four hours, taking in the sights of the River Thames while raising money for a cause close to their hearts.

Andrea said the challenge arose from a “crazy” member of Sherborne Town Band suggesting members enter a charity marathon last year.

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“This is quite out of the norm for most of us who normally enjoy making music and an occasional beverage after rehearsals,” she said.

“The closest any of us get to proper exercise is marching on Remembrance Sunday so we really thought that our secretary had lost the plot.

“After some deliberation, it was agreed that the ladies would sign up for the 2025 London Winter Walk, a mere 13-mile walk.

“Yes, lots of people run, cycle, swim, or climb mountains, but for some, this would be our Everest!”

The members said they each approached the challenge differently, as they would with any challenging piece of music.

The group has eyed up more challenges following the success of the London Winter Walk Picture: Sherborne Town Band

“The headteacher among us was upbeat and positive, the retired head teacher organised us, school trip style, and the accountant devised practice routes, stats and rates of speed,” Andrea said.

“The retired musician was relatively relaxed about the whole situation, even though she had to undergo surgery mid-training; the college assessor, who deals with teenagers all day, knew there were bigger things to worry about.

“The engineer among us pondered all the possible outcomes, drank tea and biscuits while coming up with plans and ideas on how to achieve the impossible, and had a test run to discover any weak points in the plan.

“After the initial review, it was back to the drawing board; definitely more tea and biscuits were required, as well as better shoes, a waterproof coat, and plasters.

“Luckily one of us had worked in the big smoke, so they could guide the rest of us country bumpkins around the tube systems of London.

“We all completed the walk, a beautiful route along the River Thames taking in the sights and history of the capital.”

The group said they’ve been inspired to get more active following the success of the challenge and are eyeing up a series of ultra challenges.

Anyone interested in joining, learning with, listening to, or booking Sherborne Town Band can contact info@sherbornetownband.co.uk

Andrea added: “Walking, jogging or walking marathons is optional!”