A TEAM are getting ready to go the distance to raise memory for loved ones.

The 18 women who make up the Shine for Shani team will be taking part in the Shine Night Walk on Saturday September 23.

So far the group have raised more than £12,000, the majority of which will be donated to Cancer Research UK.

The rest of the money, and inspiration for the team name will be donated in honour of Shani Berman to Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH).

Shani died aged five in February of this year following heart surgery.

Her parents Juliet and Simon Berman have set up the Shani Berman's Brighter Future Fund to support children with congenital heart problems, as Shania had.

Juliet said: "It was so lovely that the team chose to honour Shani in the name, but it really is a group effort as we have all been training and fundraising together.

"We had been told that she would have a life-limiting illness, but when she kept pulling through, we just thought that she was this miraculous child who would keep going.

"Everyone saw her as a little fighter so we thought it was good to do a challenger where we could emulate her perserverance."

The team has grown and although not everyone who has been in training will take part on the night, there will be people in the crowds supporting the group.

Leanne Altberg said: “It’s nice that we can do something to support our friends that have been through a tough time.

“It’s been a great way of getting to know people. We have been pounding the pavements of Borehamwood, Shenley, Radlett, Totteridge and Watford.

“So far we have walked 20 miles, there’s been a lot of blisters, a lot of aches and a lot of fun.”

To donate or for more information visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=shineforshani&isTeam=true.