A WOMAN has completed the national three peaks challenge to raise more than £1,000 for a North-East charity.

Vicky Davison, from Hexham, completed the gruelling 24-hour challenge earlier this month and raised £1,200 for the Sunshine Fund – a charity raising money to improve the lives of disabled children.

The three peaks challenge tasks competitors with climbing Ben Nevis, in Scotland, Scafell Pike, in England, and Snowdon, in Wales ­– the highest mountains in the UK – within 24 hours.

On the Bank Holiday weekend earlier this month, Vicky and around 20 other hikers started in Scotland in their bid to conquer the three summits.

She said: “Ben Nevis was the biggest and the longest climb, but it was the one we were most prepared for as it was our first mountain. We knew what to expect, but the freezing cold and wind chill of -20C degrees made the conditions harder.”

By the time Vicky and the rest of her crew got to Scafell Pike in the Lake District, they they had to trek up the 3,210ft mountain at 1.30am.

After the night-time hiking success, the group travelled to Snowdonia to complete the challenge within the time frame.

“I love the outdoors, nature and mountains, and cannot imagine not being able to head out into the hills,” said Vicky.

“I am really lucky and thankful that I can use my ability and passion for a worthwhile cause and can make a difference to someone’s life. What motivated me to do the three peaks challenge is that challenging myself physically is a great reminder of how lucky I am to be fit, healthy and able, and that I can raise money for people less fortunate.”