TWO Gloucestershire friends are tackling the mighty Three Peaks challenge this weekend for a charity close to their hearts.

Richard Greenhalgh, from Kingswood, and Hugo Grimes, from Wotton-under-Edge, have 26 miles of walking and 9,800ft of climbing to look forward to doing within just 36 hours.

The challenge involves climbing the highest mountains in each of England, Scotland and Wales from Friday, June 20 to Sunday, June 22.

They will start with Mount Snowdon, then heading to the Lake District to tackle Sca Fell Pike, before speeding to Scotland to climb Ben Nevis.

Mr Greenhalgh has been a trustee of Meningitis Now for the past six years so is well versed in the tragedies associated with the disease.

He said: “Our charity is small but does amazing work to spread awareness of meningitis symptoms – and saves lives as a result.

“As a trustee I see where the money goes and it's a sobering and inspirational mix of therapies, research, prosthetic limbs, counselling and, sadly, headstones for those who can't afford them.”

His friend Mr Grimes added that Meningitis Now did great work to support those affected by the disease.

“Both my children had occasions where it was suspected they had meningitis,” he said. “In both cases we were lucky that neither was suffering from meningitis but it was a frightening experience for any parent.

“I want to do my bit to help those who have suffered.”

You can donate online at Justgiving.com/Richard-Greenhalgh or UK.virginmoneygiving.com/HugoGrimes