A TELECOMS engineer and seven friends have completed the Three Peaks Challenge – climbing Ben Nevis, Scarfell Pike and Snowdon in under 24 hours – in honour of his father who died of cancer last January.

Dan Matthews from Cinderford took along dad Glyn’s old walking stick and carved a notch into it for each peak summited.

The aim was to raise funds for three charities with a special meaning to Dan and the other group members: Cancer Research, Great Oaks Hospice and Headway Gloucestershire.

The friends joined forces when Dan’s dad Glyn – who was nicknamed The Bear – was first diagnosed and have kept going for two years with their fitness/training team ‘The Bear’s Lair’ .

With driver Spencer Townsend, they set off for Ben Nevis at 6am on Friday, July 12, arriving at around 5pm to start the climb which took just over four hours and, according to Dan, proved to be “the longest and hardest of the three.”

After a long drive through the night they then began their ascent of Scafell Pike just after 4am next day.

“With no sleep it was a tough climb but absolutely stunning to see the sunrise just as we reached the summit,” he said.

Battling against traffic hold-ups they reached Snowdon with around four hours to go and started climbing immediately.

Ultimately they completed the gruelling challenge in 23 hours.

“We were absolutely shattered, but still made it in time for a few beers afterwards.

“For each mountain I’d taken my Dad’s old walking stick which he’d made himself years ago and had jokingly said I’d need to get through the climb.

“It now has three notches carved for three mountains.

“We’re hoping to raise around £3,000 so each of our charities can have £1,000.”

Dan says the ascents were made in sweltering heat, and he and his friends – Dan Stephens, Andrew Badham, Ben Andrews, Matthew Brain, Lee Virgo, Chris Swioklow and Callum Mansell – all lost around half a stone.

They want to thank everyone that’s supported them so far and would welcome more donations at [email protected]