Four women have had an experience they will not forget in a hurry - a night in the woods with no creature comforts.

Colleagues Deb Last, Angi Scott, Annie Maddocks and Andrea Beveridge, from the Bury St Edmunds area, took on the challenge last weekend to raise money for a defibrillator for the community to use.

The women, who work at Orbit East Care & Repair in Bury’s Northern Way, had been shocked to discover there did not seem to be one in the northern part of the town.

Mrs Maddocks lost a nephew, aged in his 30s, to Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS) and Ms Scott said the importance of having access to a defibrillator hit home when she underwent first aider training.

The women spent a whole 24 hours in woods in the area, without even a tent, to raise about £1,500 for the piece of equipment.

Mrs Last, 53, said: “The weather was kind to us, and the location stunning, but there were still plenty of challenges.

“Our first task was to build a shelter - which we managed to do by fixing a parachute silk to a branch of a tree.

“Next we collected enough wood to keep our fire going all day and night – and then proceeded to light it, in readiness for cooking our tea.

“We held a knitting class and a pop quiz and, as darkness fell, sat by the fire to keep warm.

“Once tucked up in our sleeping bags the temperature dipped and we could hear badgers, owls and pigs.

“The ground was hard and there were too many earwigs and spiders for comfort! It was a great experience and one we won’t forget in a hurry.”

The women are appealing for people to donate, including companies which have previously pledged support.

To donate call 0800 1217711.