Nine Gresford lads take on the National 3 Peaks Challenge

Nine lads from Gresford, Nr Wrexham in North Wales, and best friends since an early age are aiming to complete the UK National 3 Peaks Challenge in June 2010 to raise money for the Bobby Moore Bowel Cancer Fund and Alder Hey Ronald McDonald House.

The challenge is taking place in memory of one of their closest friends Jon Ratcliffe, who tragically passed away in 2008, aged just 28 due to bowel cancer. His friends and family miss him dearly and he also touched the hearts of everyone who met him due to his witty sense of humour and very generous nature.

The task is to climb and travel between the three highest peaks in Britain, Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon, within a 24 hour period. The journey commences on Thursday 4th June in Scotland. The group will begin the 1,344 meter (4,409 ft) ascent of the mighty Ben Nevis at around 5pm. Once Ben Nevis has been conquered the bus will travel down to the Lake District to tackle Scafell Pike. Although the smaller of the 3 peaks at 978 metres (3,209 ft), Scafell will be no easy task especially after climbing to the highest point in Britain a mere 6 hours earlier! There is no let-up as no sooner is the decent of Scafell completed the team will be driven down to North Wales and attempt to climb Snowdon which stands at 1085 metres (3,560 ft). With aching limbs, tiredness and fatigue setting in this will be a real test of their fitness and will power. After the walk down from the summit of Snowdon the aim is to be at the base before the 24 hour deadline on Friday 5th June 2010.

The climbers are not alone in this challenge; they will be assisted by Jon's father Rob Ratcliffe, Russ Pritchard and Steve Rowland who will play a major role in driving the mini buses up to Scotland and between the destinations. They will also prepare meals for the team in between the climbs and to be on hand with energy snacks and any first aid assistance, which will hopefully not be needed!

Gresford resident Osian Ifan, who will arguably be the most important member of the crew, has the task of guiding the group up the three mountains and making sure everyone returns safely. Osian, who is a family friend to the Ratcliffe's, has been climbing for a number of years so his motivational experience will be invaluable. In total the distance walked is around 26 miles, the height climbed is over 11,000 feet and the distance covered between the mountains is approaching 475 miles.

The group via their 3 Peaks Challenge - 2010 website hope to raise over £10,000 which will be divided between the Bobby Moore Bowel Cancer Fund and Alder Hay Ronald McDonald House, both of which hold special places in the hearts of many local residents. Please show your support by donating as much money as possible to help raise funds for these two fantastic charities.