HIKERS with the grit and determination to take on the highest peaks in the UK are needed to raise vital funds for St Margaret’s Hospice Care charity.

The Three Peaks Challenge next June will see a group of supporters aim to scale Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon in 24 hours.

Sonia Bateman, events fundraiser at St Margaret’s, said: “This will be a fast-paced and physically demanding adventure, and everyone who completes it will have the immense satisfaction of ticking off one of Britain’s toughest outdoor challenges.

“We’re encouraging people to sign up now to give themselves plenty of time to raise sponsorship and train for the challenge over the next 12 months.

“As well as having an unforgettable experience, everyone who joins us will be making a real difference to patients and families in our community.”

Last year, nearly 2,400 people took part in events organised by St Margaret’s Hospice Care, helping the charity to care for patients and families in Somerset who are facing a life-limiting illness.

The non-stop Three Peaks Challenge starts on Friday, June 12 when the group will meet and travel to Fort William in Scotland.

Rising early the next day, they will climb Ben Nevis before a transfer straight to the Lake District for dinner before trekking to the summit of Scafell Pike, England’s highest peak.

After descending in darkness, they will catch some sleep on the drive to Wales where they will climb Mount Snowdon on Sunday, June 14, with group photos and celebrations at the top.

The fundraisers will walk around 28 miles and ascend to a total height of almost 3,000 metres if they climb all three peaks in a total trekking time of 18 hours or less over the two days.

For more details and to book a place go to the fundraising events page on St Margaret’s Hospice’s website.