TWO teams of wives whose husbands were deployed to Iraq took their minds off their departures by training for a 100-kilometre challenge.

Now the eight women are to embark this weekend on the tough Trailwalker UK expedition to raise cash for the Gurkha Welfare Trust and Oxfam.

Led by Lisajane Caesar, whose husband is the squadron commander of 246 Gurkha Signal Squadron, based at Fulford's Imphal Barracks, the two teams of four women will walk through the day and night to complete 100km across the South Downs before a 30-hour time limit.

The team, also comprising of Bidhya Gurung, Sharmila Gurung, Asha Pun, Mira Bhandari, Mina Pun, Krishna Rai and Sukmaya Pun, hope to raise £2,000 for the Gurkha charity, which helps improve facilities at state-run schools in Nepal.

Lisajane said: "When the squadron deployed to the Gulf in February there was no certain date for their return and we decided to take up the challenge in their absence.

"It was an opportunity to ensure that the squadron was represented and to contribute to two very worthwhile charities. We feel very lucky that our husbands returned home safely and they have been encouraging us in our final weeks of training."

The Trailwalker UK was started by Gurkha soldiers in 1981 as a training exercise to test stamina, endurance and promote teamwork.

Updated: 10:13 Tuesday, July 22, 2003