A couple who work as sports journalists on the Yorkshire Evening Post will trek Hadrian’s Wall  for a skin cancer charity.

Wendy and Gary Walker will begin their 25-mile trek along the Northumberland route in September to raise funds for the British Skin Foundation.

They decided to take on the challenge after Wendy had an operation to remove a tumour from her face.

She said: “Even after going through the procedure, the pathologist reports were inconclusive.

“The consultants tell you the probabilities but as a journalist who deals in facts I found that difficult to accept.

“It became clear more research was needed into all types of skin diseases – more than eight million people in the UK suffer from them and around 4,000 of those will die. Rather than sit around fretting, I thought I would try to do something about it.”

This led Wendy, 41, to sign up for the Hadrian’s Wall trek, which involves a weekend of walking and sleeping in a basic tent.

Gary, 47, said: “I have to say I was more than a little surprised when she told me.

“It’s going to be a bit of a shock to the system – neither of us have been camping before – but giving up home comforts and trying something so different is part of the sacrifice.”

He added: “We’re happy to wear T-shirts or clothes bearing company logos or branding, if anyone would like to sponsor us. It’s about raising as much money as possible.”

The couple have so far raised more than £700. To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/Walkers3.