IT will be a gruelling test of endurance as they tackle 26.2 miles of the London Marathon together for a cause close to their hearts.

But Hampshire friends Heidi Rehman and Tara Russell plan to celebrate in style - when they swap their trainers for stilettos for a glitzy fundraising ball so local women do not have to battle breast cancer alone.

Celebrities and businesses from across the south have thrown their support behind the Masquerade Ball which takes place on Friday, May 6 at East Horton Golf Club. The glamorous evening will raise funds for The Wessex Haven, a newly opened centre in Titchfield providing emotional and physical support to hundreds of women diagnosed with the disease.

The black tie event will open with a champagne reception with acoustic music from talented singer Meg Parkinson. Guests wearing their finest gowns, dinner suits and Venetian masks will then enjoy a three course dinner in the venue's beautiful 16th century converted barn, styled by Mitch Allen of M.A.D.E Event Services & Luxury Concierge before renowned Southampton eight-piece band The Hattie Jacques' Playlist will fill the dance floor with their energetic covers from the 1950s to the present day.

Throughout the evening, BBC South Today presenter Laura Trant will join forces with Saints match day reporter Kenzie Benali to tempt guests into exclusive auction items and raffle prizes donated in a bid to support as many local women as possible whose lives have been turned upside down by a cancer diagnosis.

Auction lots include a diamond donated by jeweller and luxury watch specialist Parkhouse in Southampton, a football signed by the 1976 FA Cup winning Saints team, a celebrity haircut from world-renowned hairdresser Guy Kremer, a gift from Hampshire’s golfing legend Justin Rose and even a two week's stay in a luxury ten-bedroom villa in Florida.

There will also be signed shirts from the current Southampton FC team as well as items donated by football legends Matt le Tissier and Francis Benali.

The star raffle prize is a spa day for two at award-winning SenSpa in the New Forest.

Mum-of-two Heidi and the Daily Echo's Tara decided to host the event for The Wessex Haven where Heidi works as a fundraiser, after witnessing first-hand the effects of a cancer diagnosis.

The Haven is the only national charity that provides free one-to-one personalised emotional and physical care to people at any stage of their breast cancer treatment as well as their families.

Heidi, from Marchwood, was diagnosed with breast cancer aged 35 and has twice survived the disease having undergone two mastectomies.

The friends will take on the London Marathon together in defiance of breast cancer.

But the pair, who have been pounding the pavements together for weeks, said they wanted to plan an event together to bring the community together and raise as much money as possible - without the running vests and trainers.

Heidi, who has completed five marathons for breast cancer charities, said: "I feel so lucky to be able to take part in the London Marathon, and proud that we are raising funds for a cause so close to our heart.

“Now that The Haven is open, people no longer need to cope alone with the side effects from the disease in our region. I know first-hand how gruelling it can be.

“A marathon is nothing compared to that, and to spend 26.2 miles with my lovely friend, proving that there is normality after breast cancer is a positive, emotional and empowering experience. The Masquerade Ball will be a lovely way to celebrate our achievement together while raising much needed funds for the centre."

Limited tickets are still available for The Masquerade Ball sponsored by Express Gearbox which cost £50 each or £450 for a table of ten.

Tara, from Romsey, added: "We've been absolutely overwhelmed by the support we've had from everyone in the community who have all rallied together to make the county sparkle for one night in honour of anyone battling cancer.

"We can't wait to swap our marathon trainers for dancing shoes to share such a special evening with as many people as possible."

For tickets go to https://www.thehaven.org.uk/Event/masquerade-ball

or search Masquerade Ball in aid of The Wessex Haven on Facebook.

To support the event or for more information, email masquerademay2016@gmail.com

Visitors can self-refer to The Wessex Haven by calling reception on 01329 559290 or go to thehaven.org.uk for more information.