Friends Nigel Brookes and Ross Baker, will walk 20 miles over 17 hours in a 100-hole game of golf to raise money for the Michael Sobell Hospice (MSH) on Monday, June 9.

The pals, who are both keen golfers and have handicaps of eight, took on the challenge because they wanted use their hobby to help a charity which supports people living in the area.

"It's going to be hard work," admitted Nigel, 32, who grew up in Court Road, Hillingdon, and now lives in Derbyshire.

"We'll tee off at dusk between 3.30 and 4am and we hope to have completed at least 36 holes by 8am."

Nigel, a former pupil of Vyners School in Warren Road, and Ross, who attended Abbotsfield School in Clifton Gardens, have been doing plenty of walking to get them ready to tackle the course at Northwood Golf Club in Rickmansworth Road, where Ross is a member.

"I have been on a diet with not much success," said Nigel, who is a member of Ruislip Golf Club.

"But I played 36 holes at the weekend."

They hope to have finished the course by 10pm.

"I am a little bit worried now as it is only six days away and there is going to be a lot of walking involved and swinging of the golf club and I already have a bad back. 

"I actually have an MRI scan at the hospital on Tuesday but I will get through this challenge because the charity is a very worthy casue."

The pair will have plenty of support from an army of caddies as well as their friend Russell Hall, who was planning on joining them in the challenge but had to drop out due to work commitments.

"He is going to come out and join us in the afternoon once his course has finished," added Nigel.

Ross Baker, 35, of Ryefield Avenue said: "Macmillan do a 72 holes challenge but I’d thought we’d go a little bit further and go for the 100."

They have already raised more than £1,100.

Nigel has tweeted golf stars including Luke Donald and Ian Poulter in the hope they will show some support.

Ross and Nigel may not be the only onces celebrating a swinging success.

It could be double celebrations if their good friend Andrew Bourn, from Ickenham, is successful with his swing band the Jack Pack in the Britain's Got Talent final on Saturday, June 7.

"I would like to wish Jack Pack the best of luck," said Nigel.

"Andrew has made all of his friends and family very proud."

Ross, who is best friends with Andrew's brother James, said: "Go and smash it up lads."

If you would like to support the pair, visit: www.justgiving.com/Ross-Baker3

MSH is based at the Mount Vernon Hospital site in Rickmansworth Road, Northwood. It offers support and care to people with life-limiting illnesses and their families.

On Friday June 6 hundreds of people take part in the annual MSH Ladies in the Night walk through Rickmansworth and Moor Park. Places are still available.