A GROUP of youngsters are overcoming their own problems to pull on their walking boots and raise money for charity.

The team, who are all service users at Sandalwood Court, in Stratton, have all faced mental health and drugs and alcohol problems.

And now they are doing their bit to help teenagers who are suffering from cancer.

The group, which will include around 15 patients and staff, is setting out on a two-day walk from Lechlade to Oxford next week.

Claire Johns, a psychologist at the centre, said: "It all came about after I jokingly said to one of the patients that if he could stay clean of drugs we would find him another buzz.

"Last month he did a parachute jump to raise money for the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

"We decided it had worked so well we would expand it and use it as a way of giving the patients something else to focus on."

The team, which is looking for sponsorship, will be donating the money to the Teenage Cancer Charity.

"Because of their illnesses, most of the people taking part know how it feels to be isolated from your peers," said Claire.

"And it is a really worthwhile charity."

The money raised will be used to send five people on a charity horse ride across the Andes.

The team needs to raise £15,000 and so far has in the region of £1,000.

However, every little helps and they are willing to hear from anyone who might be interested in sponsoring them.

"Everyone is really excited about doing the walk," said Claire.

"But we always need more people to support us and if anyone wants to donate food for the trip, or even offer to come and cook for us at our overnight camp, that would be great."

The group are setting off from Lechlade on Friday, June 2 and hope to arrive at Portmeadow in Oxford by late afternoon the following day.

For more information on the group's walk, or to sponsor them, get in touch with Claire on 01793 437538 or you can email claire.john@awp.nhs.uk.