INSPIRED teenagers are set to complete a marathon topsy-turvy journey to rake in charity cash for a cause close to their hearts.

Fifteen students, mostly sixth formers at Stourport High School, will ride the Shipley's Dragon rollercoaster at the town's riverside for 12 hours in aid of Imperial Cancer Research Fund. Alex and Daniel Exley, front row, and Russell Foxall and Josh Tomlinson, back row, who plan a 'marathon' stint for charity.

Many of the youngsters involved have friends or relatives affected by cancer and have joined forces to raise vital funds in the battle to beat the disease.

Seventeen-year-old organiser Daniel Exley, of Milford Avenue, Stourport, lost his grandfather to lung cancer and knows as well as anybody the heartache and misery cancer can cause.

He said: "We all want to do our bit to help cancer sufferers and their families. By helping Imperial Cancer it is not just raising funds for treatment, but for care and comforting sessions as well.

"It was a big shock to my family when granddad died so I can imagine how others who have lost loved ones feel."

Daniel, who will be joined on the ride by his brother Alex, 18, added: "Although a large amount of recent charity work is focused on third world poverty, and this is obviously a greatly significant issue, I believe it is also important to concentrate on our own well-being.

"One in three people will contract cancer at some point in their life and the number will increase. I think if something is not done, soon people will be lucky not to contract cancer."

"We're amazed how many people have volunteered despite the event's obvious undesirability and we are very grateful to the help of Shipley's and Imperial Cancer Research Fund for their help in organising this", he said.

"We only hope people will be so forthcoming when it gets to sponsoring us."

The event will take place between 8am and 8pm on Friday, September 14.

Anyone who would like to sponsor the group can call Daniel on 07855 037711 or turn up on the day to give a donation.