Emmerdale star to take part in 40-mile Burnley-to-Blackpool charity hike

With the event kicking off at the Women's Centre in Burnley, Morecambe-born actor Emma Atkins will join with other LWC staff, volunteers, and supporters as they seek to raise vital funds and invaluable awareness for the charity, which aims 'to empower women and girls to be able to transform their lives by bringing them together.'

Walkers will tackle the first leg of the challenge on September 8th, trekking the 22 miles from Burnley to Preston via the Women's Centre branches in Accrington and Blackburn before finishing off with the 18-mile walk from Blackburn to the Comedy Carpet near Blackpool Tower for an event celebrating the centenary of women's suffrage on the 9th.

“The spirit of community is extremely important to me and if it can enhance people’s lives for the better," said Emma, who plays Charity Dingle in Emmerdale. "Especially to empower women; supporting all elements of their mental health, bringing us together to help one another, and celebrating how brilliant we are as a species - this can only be a truly wonderful thing.

"I felt privileged when I was asked to lend my support to The Women’s Centres in and around Lancashire, especially after the recent storyline I’ve been involved in," she added. "I am so excited to walk the walk and come and meet everyone who is part of such a wonderful community."

Anyone is free to join the walk, undertaking as many or as few of the sections as they want; groups can even complete the event as a relay team. Those interested in taking part can sign up at http://www.womenscentre.org/walk-with/walkwith with the closing date for entry being on August 3rd.

"We’re really looking forward to walking with Emma," said Adele Helm, community fundraiser for LWC. "Having her endorsement is amazing and it will help to raise awareness of our cause, encouraging more people to get involved and support us. We're really excited!"