Three-peak conquerers on a high

While most people had their feet up at the bank holiday, three intrepid pals braved snow and ice to climb the UK’s highest peaks for charity.

Former soldiers Ged Cowan, of Limeside, and Grant Harrington from Lees, plus their friend Daniel Crossan, of Heyside, set themselves the challenge of climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon in less than 24 hours.

And they managed it despite being held up in Bank Holiday traffic, and have so far raised over £700 for the Help for Heroes charity.

Ged (29) and Grant (25), became pals after an unlikely meeting — they signed each other’s wills as they trained for service in Iraq, Ged in the Royal Signals and Grant in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.

“Now we’re ex-Army we talked a few months ago about doing something that is challenging, to get training and get our fitness back, and make some money at the same time.”

With Daniel (22), a surveyor, they drove to Fort William for a 6am Sunday start on Ben Nevis (4,408ft).

Then Grant’s father Phil, who was in charge of travel and catering, drove them to Scafell Pike in the Lake District (3,210ft) and finally Snowdon in north Wales (3,560ft).

They completed all three in 23 hours and 48 minutes.

Ged said: “We started off in good weather in the valley below Ben Nevis but after 900ft it was below freezing and we climbed through thick snow and hail.

“People have been immensely generous, and it gave us a huge sense of achievement.”

Money can still be donated to Help for Heroes by logging on to www.justgiving.com/grantharrington