FOUR Worcester friends who tragically lost their young pal to suicide are set to take on an epic challenge in her memory.

Ashleigh Whittall, Emily Shirley, Alec Ballentyne and Nathan Hobday, all aged 21, will cycle more than 150 miles from London to Paris to honour Lauren Pilkington, who died in August last year.

The 20-year-old, who was Miss Whittall's cousin, committed suicide following mental health problems.

As a result, the group, who all met at Christopher Whitehead Language College, are raising funds for the national mental health charity Student Minds.

Dance teacher Miss Whittall said: "What we want to do is raise awareness because my cousin's death could have been prevented.

"She would have been really touched by what we are doing and appreciate that we are trying to help other people.

"We especially want to encourage those young people who are stressed and have exams to reach out."

The challenge will see the group cycle from London to Newhaven on July 15, before catching a ferry to Dieppe, then on July 16 cycle 35 miles to Forges-les-Eaux and stay overnight before riding a further 52 miles to Pontoise and on the final day travel 18 miles to Paris.

On Monday, as part of the team's training, they cycled 70 miles from Worcester city centre to Gloucester and back.

Miss Whittall said: "It was hard work but we're feeling good."

The team, who have organised the trip themselves, have already raised more than £500 for charity. To make a further donation go to mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/londontoparis17.