THREE women from Chafford Hundred have told how walking to get fit turned into a charity fundraising mission - and their joy at helping others.

Thurrock Nub News caught up with Yemi Aiyewumi and friends Oyin Akinseloyin and Joy Ezimokhai yesterday (Sunday, 5 October) as the three ladies were completing a 26 mile trek as part of the virtual London Marathon.

They were raising money for three separate charities and together have already raised close to £1,000.

Yemi says: "Thanks to Thurrock Nub News for the wonderful interview which definitely gave us an exciting push towards the finish line.

"My friends, Oyin, Joy and I started walking between 7 and 9km every morning since June to lose weight and get fit.

"We kept motivating and pushing each other to beat our previous time and distance everyday we walked.

"This process gradually moved to challenging ourselves to doing a half marathon distance which we did in July, August and September.

"We then challenged ourselves to complete the London Marathon when we heard it was virtual and to also raise money for Great Ormond Street Hospital, Cancer Research UK and Alzheimer's Society. 

"We are so excited and hope we can take part in the event next year and raise money for local charities across Thurrock."

Anyone who wants to help the happy and determined trio can do so via the following links:

Great Ormond Street Hospital (Adeyemi Aiyewumi) - Click here.

Cancer Research UK (Oyin Oshu Akin) - Click here.

Alzheimer's Society (Joy Ezimokhai) - Click here.