Four Colchester schoolgirls are training to participate in this year’s 10K Stampede at Colchester Zoo.
The reason they have taken on the challenge is to combat exam stress and raise money for the Mid and North East Essex Mind.
Scarlett Johnston, Lottie Boulter, Sophia Nock and Fleur Langmead, all aged 16, are all GCSE students at The Stanway School and the 10K run would be the longest distance any of them have undertaken.
Scarlett said: “So many young people struggle with their mental health and it’s difficult to find the right support.
"People shouldn’t have to reach this level of desperation, nobody should be alone with their struggles, that’s why we’re determined to raise as much money as possible for Mid and North East Essex Mind.”
The quartet aim to raise £700 for the event, scheduled for Sunday, April 28.
The CEO of Mid and North East Essex Mind, Ginny Idehen, said: "We’ve been overwhelmed by the response from fundraisers to this year’s Stampede.
"Everyone in the community has come out to support this fun event."
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