A FAMILY challenged themselves to climb the Yorkshire Three Peaks to raise money for life saving heart research.

Nicola Stead who lives in Addingham, and her family and friends, from Skipton, raised a phenomenal £1757 by challenging themselves to defeat the peaks to support the British Heart Foundation (BHF).

The challenge, which took place on Saturday, June 20, was in memory of Nicola’s dad Andy Brown who passed away suddenly in October 2017

Nicola said: “It was so hot it was hard work to complete but we all managed the whole walk- we’re all burnt to crisps! We set out to do this as my lovely dad Andy Brown from Skipton, very suddenly died last year leaving us all devastated. We thought if this money could save another family from what we’ve gone through, and then we’ve made a small positive out of our situation."

Nicola added: “We are delighted to have raised an incredible £1757 which is three times my original target for the BHF’s life saving research. It was an amazing day, so thank you to everyone who made it a success.

“I would encourage anyone who is thinking of holding a fundraising event for the BHF, to go for it! It was a good excuse to get everyone together whilst raising money for a great cause.”

Every three minutes someone loses their life to heart and circulatory disease which devastates the lives of those they leave behind. Thanks to the public’s generosity, the BHF is funding research central to discovering vital treatments for people living with these conditions.

Sue Green, BHF fundraising manager for Wharfedale, said: “We never cease to be amazed by the extraordinary ways people like Nicola fundraise for the BHF and we’re incredibly grateful to them for raising £1757.

“We urgently need more people to join our fight for every heartbeat and help power our life saving research. We are also really keen to hear from people who would like to get involved with our local fundraising group in the Ilkley area.

"From zumbathons and treasure hunts, to bake sales and quizzes, whichever way you choose to fundraise you can help make a difference to the lives of millions."

For a fundraising pack with inspiration and tips to make your event a success, sign up for free by visiting www.bhf.org.uk/yourway.