A GROUP of 13 friends from South Gloucestershire and Bristol have taken on a gruelling marathon challenge, raising almost £8,000 for charity.

Among the good causes to benefit from the 26.2-mile Three Peaks Challenge was Teenage Cancer Trust, who looked after to after the brother of team leader Amy Kington when he was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma in 2015 at the age of 22.

Among the South Gloucestershire residents who took part were; Nigel Hawkins from Thornbury, Simon Higgs from Rudgeway, Dave Gardner from Olveston, Rob Keitch from Yate, Barry Reeves from Chipping Sodbury and Matt Wilson from Bradley Stoke.

The gruelling quest, which took some in the group only 11 hours to complete, saw the team ascend an incredible 1,532metres, raising £7,877 in the process.

Amy said: “Two years ago Josh started to develop symptoms of what we now know was one of the tell-tale signs of Hodgkins Lymphoma; he suffered with night sweats and skin irritation.

“We went back and forth to our local GPs for nearly seven months before it was finally diagnosed. At the time we couldn’t believe it, he was young, fit and healthy and didn’t even drink. It came as a complete shock.

“The last two years have been incredibly difficult for my brother and my family but we've received the most amazing support and care from Teenage Cancer Trust and I wanted to walk for the charity as a small sign of my appreciation.

“It was an amazing experience and thanks to those who took part and supported our fundraising efforts one than I will never forget. I'm certain the funds raised will be put to great use.”

The group are continuing to raise money for the charity and have thanked those who have already given them support, including DT Windows in Yate, Berkley Vale Motors in Thornbury, Brunel Asset Finance in Hambrook and Ley Bistro in Frampton-on-Severn.

Anyone wishing to donate should visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/community-of-purpose