WORCESTER shoppers dug deep last week to support a fund-raising Three Peaks Challenge by the University of Worcester's security team.

At the end of this month, the team will tackle the highest mountains in England, Scotland and Wales, all within the space of 24 hours.

Sponsorship and donations will go to St Richard's Hospice and so far £4,500 has been raised, including the £200 donated by Asda in Worcester last week.

The university’s Head of Security, Tom Taylor, explains: “We were overwhelmed by the generosity of the shoppers. We have been given tremendous support by the university and the wider community, and we are determined to conquer all three mountains to raise as much money for St Richard’s as we possibly can.”

Logistical plans and preparations to transport the team between Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon have been made, and Mr Taylor believes that they are in good shape to take on the gruelling challenge.

He said: “We have all been doing our individual training over the past few months, and some of the team also came together to take part in a ‘Mini Three Peaks’ challenge in early August.

“The team based themselves at Snowdon and climbed the peak three times, using the time limit for the challenge itself – 24 hours. There was no driving involved, but this did give us a more realistic understanding of the endurance required and levels of sleep deprivation we are going to face."

He said: “Despite a few minor injuries, most of the team were successful in completing the three climbs in the allotted 24 hours. It was a very worthwhile exercise and an eye opener both in terms of the physical and organisational aspects of the Three Peaks challenge.”

“The support we have received so far has been exceptional, and we are determined to conquer all three mountains and raise as much money for St Richard’s as we possibly can.”

To donate online, visit the team’s Just Giving page at https://www.justgiving.com/UW-Security.