Two businesswomen are calling on “real women” of Wharfedale to join forces and raise money for a charity working with rough sleepers.

Helen King, founder of the women’s friendship website togetherfriends.com and Helen Collier, founder of Harmoney, a money-coaching practice, have signed up to the 5x50 challenge.

Starting on March 30, the challenge means they must exercise for at least 30 minutes per day or cover 5km in a jog, run or walk, for a total of 50 days.

The two are raising money for charity Simon on the Streets.

Mrs King said: “The 5x50 challenge is a great way to raise funds for our chosen charity and it is also a great way to motivate myself to get fit.”

They have set up their team – Real Women of Wharfedale – and are hoping lots more women will join them in their challenge.

“Our 5x50 challenge is for all those not so sporty people who would like to get fitter but somehow lack the motivation and willpower of their athletic counterparts,” added Mrs King.

“This is a great opportunity for women to get fit, raise money for charity and make new friends along the way.”

They plan to run, cycle, hike, swim and zumba their way through the 50 days, starting slowly and building up to a bigger challenge at the end of the 50 days.

And they are also asking if there is a local fitness trainer who would like to volunteer and give them guidance and encouragement for the challenge To make a donation visit justgiving.com/realwomenof Wharfedale or e-mail helen@togetherfriends.com or helen@harmoneylife.co.uk to get involved.