GIRL Guides are preparing for a two-day hike inspired by brotherly love and sibling rivalry.

The four Cheshire Guides include Kingsmead teenager Emma Pritchard, 13, who hopes to use the event to raise money for Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research in the 10th year since her brother James was diagnosed with leukaemia.

She will be taking part in the Cheshire Hike on April 18 and 19, and covering 45km with fellow Guide Holly Carr.

Their friends Anne-Marie Howick, 13, and Mia Tasker-Hall, 13, will take part in the senior challenge of 53km, which starts on Mia's 14th birthday.

James Pritchard, now 16, was six when he was diagnosed with leukaemia and has been in remission for five years.

Emma said: "Not every child survives and the treatments are still lengthy and very harsh.

"Continuing research is still needed.

"Please help in whatever way you can.

"I am so thankful that I still have my big brother."

The teams of two start at various points in Cheshire, plot a route and follow it, check in at various points where they do challenges of Scout skills and knowledge and record observations along the route.

They carry all their kit, weighing up to 10kg, and camp out on the Saturday night before continuing with the hike on Sunday.

There are awards for the top teams in the districts and for the county.

Emma's mum Jo said: "Both Anne-Marie’s and Emma’s brothers are previous District Trophy winners so the challenge is on, but completing it is enough of a challenge in itself."

Anne-Marie is also fundraising with the hike and her chosen charity is Blue Cross for Pets.

Emma, Anne-Marie and Mia are from 1st Rudheath Guides and Holly Carr is from 1st St Michael's Widnes Guides.

To sponsor Emma visit justgiving.com/Emma-Pritchard13/ For more information about Blue Cross for Pets visit bluecross.org.uk.