A university student is preparing to swap everyday footwear for hiking boots as part of a 100-kilometre endurance event along the south coast of England.

Rosie Birch, who is pursuing a creative writing degree at the University of Brighton, will take part in the South Coast Ultra Challenge, which begins in Eastbourne and concludes in Arundel, passing through Brighton on the route.

The event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, September 5.

She will be joined throughout the challenge by her companion Will Lydon, with both participants hoping to raise funds for charitable organisations that hold personal significance for them.

Ms Birch has selected Cancer Research UK as the beneficiary of her fundraising efforts.

Mr Lydon, who originates from Brighton, has chosen Mind as his designated charity for the event.

The pair intend to commence their journey from Eastbourne at 8am, with the goal of arriving in Brighton by nightfall.

They will then resume their trek at 7am the following morning to complete the final section leading to Arundel.

Despite expressing enthusiasm for walking and hiking activities, Ms Birch acknowledged that the 100-kilometre distance represents a considerably more demanding undertaking than her usual excursions.

She noted that she only recently acquired her initial pair of hiking boots, having previously completed long-distance walks while wearing trainers.

The duo have been dedicating time to preparing for the event by breaking in their new footwear and undertaking extended walks.

They remain conscious of the physical demands that lie ahead.

Mr Lydon, who works professionally as a DJ, has assembled a musical playlist intended to maintain their motivation throughout the expedition.

Ms Birch stated that the motivation behind her fundraising stems from her concern about cancer’s impact on people she knows personally.

Mind also carries significance for her, particularly given her prior role as communities officer at Brighton Students’ Union, where she frequently utilised the charity’s resources to assist students and advocate for mental health awareness.

Among her primary concerns heading into the challenge is the risk of developing blisters.

She has ensured an adequate supply of hiking socks and intends to change them at regular intervals during the walk.