A GROUP of friends have teamed up to compete the Three Peaks challenge for the Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital Charity.

The gruelling challenge last July saw the group aged from 25-59 climb Ben Nevis in Scotland, Scafell Pike in England and Snowdon in Wales in just 24 hours.

The group of 14 was mainly made up of members of Betws in Need – a fundraising organisation for people within the community of Betws.

One climber and no stranger to fundraising, Richard Williams, said poor conditions on Ben Nevis and Scafell Pike did not stop them completing the challenge.

He said: “Weeks of training in the Brecon Beacons meant that the group were well prepared and despite the poor conditions – rain and mist on Ben Nevis and mist on Scaffel Pike – excellent team spirit enabled the whole group to complete the challenge.”

However Richard said although the 13 hours of walk on the mountains was a tough challenge, the biggest challenge of all was the minibus ride to each destination.

He added: “Although we were supported by two dedicated drivers, 11 hours on a minibus was equally challenging.”

Following the hike, the group were thrilled to have raised £3,000 which was presented to the Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital Charity last weekend.

The group were thrilled to welcome along six-year-old Sara Williams from Llandybie who has received treatment at the hospital and received the cheque on behalf of the charity.

Richard said: “We are grateful to all the individuals and businesses who supported our fundraising for the Noah’s Ark’s appeal and it was humbling to meet brave young Sara and her mum Lisa to understand how the money raised helps local children.”