A TRIO of former Whitchurch Ladies RUFC players are to tackle the hills of south Wales next month in aid of heart charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY).

Jo Thelwell, Lucy Jones and Paula Reynolds have traded their rugby boots for walking boots and plan to cross the fearsome Brecon Beacons and climb Pen y Fan on Saturday, July 6.

The group have chosen to represent CRY after Jo lost her husband Nathan Jenkins suddenly in 2013 to Sudden Adult Death Syndrome, despite being fit and healthy.

"In 2013 my late partner Nathan passed away suddenly," said Jo. "He was only 41. He had shown no symptoms and was fit and healthy."

Jo added: "If the screening that CRY offer today had been available to Nathan as a youngster he may still be alive today.

"Due to this both our children are regularly tested for any changes within their heart. They were only 11 months and three years old at the time of losing their daddy.

"This was devastating to all our family and friends, it is something we all have to carry through life, my children especially."

Lucy is taking part in the trek after losing her step Dad David Pritchard from a pulmonary embolism.

"I want to raise awareness and funds for CRY to help raise the profile of cardiac screening in the young," said Lucy.

"I have heard of so many young physically fit school children, rugby players, rowers and runners who have died of SADS in Shropshire and further afield due to undiagnosed heart conditions."

"As a teacher and a mum of young children I want to see young hearts experience a full and happy life, not for it to end prematurely."

Paula added that she is supporting CRY to ensure her grand-children have a safer future.

"I would like to make sure that in the future my young grand-children have the best possible chance of being checked with the screening program," said Paula.

To donate to the fundraiser, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/whitchurchladiesrufc