Footsteps set to echo around the world | Hawkes Bay News | Local News in Hawkes Bay

When a group of women take their marks at the start line of the Half Marathon in Taupo next month they will be embarking on 21km of walking and running for a woman they have never met.

Only one in the group, Jo Halstead, knows their inspiration. She is Mrs Halstead's mother and she is living with terminal breast cancer in the United Kingdom.

Mrs Halstead's mother was told by doctors she had until October to live but has recently gone back to work while she battles the inevitable.

"She says she's not going to sit around," Mrs Halstead said.

 MJ Williams said their friend's mother would be in their minds when they run and walk the course.

"We love Jo and we are supporting her," she said. "We don't know this lady but if she's anything like her daughter she will be a top lady."

The group of Hastings and Havelock North women, called Team Pink, have been at work getting sponsorship to complete the country's biggest walking event and will be donating it all to the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation.

Mrs Williams had been impressed by the community's willingness to help.

"We are in a recession and businesses have still been prepared to get the cheque book out," she said.

They have raised almost $2000 with help from companies Visy, Port of Napier, Hilton Brown, Mr Apple and Classic Transport.

Havelock North Primary School have also come on board with a pink mufti day planned.