A team of walkers will take on a 46-mile walking challenge to raise funds for a new charity set up in memory of teenager Elouise Keeling.

The 14-year-old was an air cadet with 73 (Huntingdon) Squadron and on Saturday (June 21) youngsters who were in the cadets with her will take part in the annual Pathfinder March.

Elouise, from Ellington, died after suffering an asthma attack at a cadet sports day at RAF Brampton on June 25 last year.

Her mum, Karen, has founded the Elouise Keeling Asthma Trust to help children with the condition avoid unnecessary suffering, and the team will raise funds for the trust.

Known as “Elouise’s Team”, the captains will be Cadet Sergeant Ben McMillan 73 (Huntingdon) Squadron ATC and Linda Donald, who will be marching with 15 air cadets from 73 (Huntingdon) Squadron ATC, three air cadets from 2331 (St Ives) Squadron ATC, Steve Beanlands, Anita Prior, Dougie Donald, Pete and Tracey Grantham and Sam Tolley.

Most of the team will be completing between two, three and four legs of the course as a relay, which links up the four former Pathfinder stations of RAF Wyton, RAF Graveley, RAF Oakington and RAF Warboys, but two plan to complete the full 46 miles.

They are due to set off at 4am on Saturday and Mrs Donald said some may not finish until late that evening. “Some of the team will be volunteer helpers at the event as well as walking so a long day for us too, but all for a very worthy cause,” she said.

“The air cadets are playing a very big part on the day as, apart from walking with the team, some are providing a burger stall and helping to relay the team to and from their various checkpoints.”

About 350 people are due to take part in the event, set up in 1997 to remember those in the 19 Pathfinder squadrons and always held on the Saturday closest to the longest day of the year for maximum daylight.

INFORMATION: A website with more details about the Elouise Keeling Asthma Trust is being built. Once complete, it will be available via www.elouisekeelingasthmatrust.co.uk. xx