A group of women from Bolton have been bitten by the hill walking bug after raising over £1,000 for Bolton Hospice.
The seven-strong group, who work together at V1ntage Health and Wellness Studio, recently climbed Britain’s highest peak Ben Nevis, despite no experience of hill walking.
They completed the climb and descent in under seven hours and are already planning to tackle the Three Peaks challenge in 2014, again raising money for Bolton Hospice.
Gareth Price, owner of V1ntage Health and Wellness Studio, organised the event and accompanied the women, along with several experienced hill walkers.
He said: “The women did incredibly well considering their lack of experience and they raised funds for a charity that is close to many people in and around Bolton.
“We all received support from local businesses, most notably Lancashire Volkswagen Van Centre, who provided a minibus to take us to and from Ben Nevis.
“Everyone was ecstatic when we had finished and it’s great to see everyone already planning for another fundraising adventure with the Three Peaks Challenge next year.”
Jenny Baker, who was one of the women to complete the climb, said: “It was one of the best days of my life, even though we were all aching all over and very nervous about doing it beforehand.
“Now we’re determined to do even more and help raise vital funds for a very important charity.”
Paul Hoinville, head of business at Lancashire Volkswagen Van Centre, said: “It’s great to know the women completed their first fundraising climb and we’re pleased to have been able to help in some way.
“We’re already talking to them about providing transport next year, when they undertake an even tougher task in the Three Peaks challenge.”