Dursley team in peak condition (From Gazette Series)

Dursley team in peak condition

A TEAM from Dursley, called BOC, completed the Three Peaks Challenge at the weekend.

They had to climb the three highest mountains in the UK, Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis, within 24 hours.

The event was organised by Tenovus, a charity providing research, counselling and care for cancer sufferers.

Team organiser Matt Powell, 27, said: "I lost my dad to cancer last year, I heard about this on the radio and it seemed a good challenge."

Kevin Withers and Owen Smith drove the team of eight between the peaks. Others taking part were Haydn and Ryan Smith, David Moon and Michael Sergeant, all in their 20s, and Robert (Taff) Evans in his 40s.

Owen, in his 30s, also did the climbing; and Kevin climbed Ben Nevis on Sunday his birthday.

The group arrived at Ben Nevis, the final mountain, at 3.40am - and were met with snow at the top and a temperature of -12 degrees.

Matt Powell said: "We did some running as training but all of us regularly play sport and do exercise. Of course we ache a bit now. It's hard work on the knees but it was all worth it."

They started the challenge among 350 people but the numbers thinned as the climbs progressed. Their team was one of a minority to finish, achieving completion after 20 hours.

Matt said: "We'd like to say a really big thank you to Michael Sealey, of Berkeley Heath Motors, who lent us a minibus."

Taff Evans added: "And of course we want to thank everyone who sponsored us."

The team has raised more than £2,000 for the cancer charity.