TWO friends from Northwich are to take their dogs on a gruelling 51-mile hike in Yorkshire to promote mental health, wellbeing and suicide awareness charities.

Sophie Morter and Jess Martin, both aged 27, will be documenting every step of their hiking experience, which they will complete with their pet dogs, on the Instagram account - @Jessyyandthewonderdogs.

In the past, the pair have trekked up the Yorkshire three peaks, climbed Scafell Pike and even navigated 10 different mountains in 10 months as part of their challenge last year.

And as with each of their challenges, the motivation is an issue close to both women’s hearts.

Sophie lost her close friend, Robert Wharton, who was 31 when he took his own life after a long struggle with mental health problems.

Jess also lost her brother, Phil Martin, who was only 25 years old.

Northwich Guardian:

Sophie and Jess during a previous challenge

“This is why we are both working with CALM, Papyrus and Malesallowed to expel the stigma that surrounds male suicide and encourage men to talk about their feelings,” said Sophie.

“Each of these charities help people with mental health problems and are pushing for more to be done in the UK.

“We are aware of the awful statistics that surround suicide, in particular with men, but we want to help people to become more than just a statistic.”

Sophie and Jess have pledged to raise awareness or money for their chosen charities every year in order to support the amazing work that they do.

And this year is no different as they once again look to walk through the Yorkshire countryside with two loving dogs as companions.

One of the dogs, Amos the Staffy, was born blind and had to have both eyes removed.

After falling in love with him, Jess adopted the pooch from Manchester Dogs Home where she volunteers on the weekends and cannot wait to hike with him.

Northwich Guardian:

Toby and Amos

“We both love walking and know how good it is for our mental health, so it is great to get out in the countryside and spend quality time together,” Sophie added.

“We will also have our trusty sidekicks – Amos and Toby the border terrier – with us along the way.

“Despite his lack of sight, Amos is an amazing dog who lives a great life with Jess, her partner Billy, and of course Toby, who acts his personal guide dog.

“People like to talk wto us when were out walking with the dogs and hopefully we can spread the message of the great work that these charities do along the way.”

To follow the progress of Sophie, Jess, Amos and Toby, check out their Instagram page and #Wanderdogsforwellbeing.

If you are feeling down and need to talk to someone, please contact CALM on 0800 585858, Papyrus on 0800 068 4141 or search for #malesallowed on Twitter.