EIGHT young Herefordshire women have embarked on a gruelling ‘Canalathon’, a 35-mile endurance event in aid of Cancer Research and St Michael’s Hospice.

Their efforts at tackling a six-mile section of canal by canoe, an 18-mile bike ride and an 11-mile run were inspired by Samantha McNally, a close friend who recently died from cancer aged 32.

Determined to raise money for her chosen charities, Sammi’s friends, Emily Mason, Lucy Mason, Louise Dukes, Mandy Lloyd, Diane Andrews, Lizzie Jones, Naiara Zubikarai and Clare Brandeberry had dearly hoped she would be waiting for them on the finishing line.

“When we first decided to enter this event she was still with us,” says Lucy Mason. “We naively assumed she would be waiting for us on the finishing line with her husband Jon.”

The “best friend anyone could ever hope to have”, Sammi had twice fought off cancer, as well as having to deal with a kidney transplant and various other illnesses.

“But she never lost her sparkling sense of humour and amazing smile – she was loved by a huge amount of local people – the funeral was standing room only,” said her friend.

“When we started training for the Canalathon she was still with us, encouraging us to wear helmets, but sadly this wasn’t to be.

"But this only spurred us on more on the day finishing the canal section in one hour, the bike section in one hour and 30 minutes and running the full 11 miles in just over two hours.”

Her friends paid tribute to someone “truly amazing” who had faced more in her life than most.

“She did this with a beautiful smile, a sarcastic comment and a ridiculous sense of humour that cancer could never take away,” says Lucy.

“Sammi sparkled with humour and never felt sorry for herself – but she did say she wished she had the chance to raise money for the charities that made her life easier, and we think the biggest respect we can give her memory is by carrying out this wish.”

To add to the appeal, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/ TheonlywayisHereford