YOUNG farmers battled challenging weather conditions over the weekend to walk 44 miles for charity.

Stockbridge Young Farmers group was inspired to walk the entire Test Way over a weekend in memory of the father of group member Pete Ling who died due to Alzheimer’s last year.

A group of 18 took it on themselves to take on the walk over the weekend. On the Saturday, four people managed to complete a staggering 22-mile stretch, walking for 12 hours straight.

The team triumphantly crossed the finish line on Sunday at 5pm, relaying the whole distance from Eling, Southampton to Combe Gibbet, Hungerford.

Club Leader Amy Poore, 29, who organised the walk said: “I wanted to keep it open, so anyone could take part no matter what ability and people could walk as much or as little as they wanted.

“They really rose to the challenge.

“I couldn’t be more proud. They took the bull by the horns.

“I walked myself on the Sunday. The weather was horrific. It was really cold and wet, it soaked us right through our waterproofs.”

The club’s chosen charity for the last two years has been the Alzheimer’s Society, after Pete suggested the cause which the group unanimously voted for.

The walk has currently raised over £1,000.

Stockbridge Young Farmers meet every Thursday evening from 7.30pm open to those aged 10 to 26 who have an interest in the countryside. For more information email stock.hantsyfc@gmail.com