And Ann Piggott and Jo Blows, who celebrate their birthdays within nine days of each other this July, will be following historic footsteps in their marathon walk.

They will follow part of the 1,000-mile El Camino de Santiago, the Way of St James, to the Holy City de Compostela - Santiago.

The city dates back to the 4th century and it is believed the remains of St James were taken there by boat from Jerusalem and buried.

Each year around 100,000 Christian pilgrims journey to the city from all over Europe, with many walking the route.

But while the pair are doing it for adventure and not for any religious reason, they believe it will still be a spiritual experience.

Mrs Piggott, who has four children and lives in Harbury, said: "We wanted to do something that was challenging and thought it would be a good opportunity to help the hospice.

"I used to work at Myton as a nurse and Jo had a friend who died there 18 months ago.

"We could have raised money for breast cancer or another illness, but Myton covers all diseases and they are self-funding.

"The walk will be a spiritual experience because some parts are going to be quite hard with a few mountains along the way."

Mrs Blows, of Leamington, added: "It is going to be fun and an adventure.

"I chose Myton as a close friend of mine was supported by them. She had been treated for breast cancer some time ago, but it returned."

The pair will set off on May 8 and expect the walk to take around five weeks.

They have started training by going on long walks with the packs they will carry on the trail.

But luckily they can leave the tents at home as there are refugios - hostels - with dormitories along the route established for pilgrims to stay in.

They join the trail at St Jean Pied de Port on the French side of the Pyrenees before crossing into Spain and travelling north.

Anyone who would like to sponsor them can do so by visiting www.justgiving.com/800kms