PURSE strings as well as the heart-strings of big business were pulled when a company chairman heard of an Evesham man's three-peak climb in memory of his wife, a teacher from Chipping Campden School.

When John Mathew of Core Investments in Halesowen read the story in the Journal he sent a cheque for £1,000 to Chris Penny for Leukaemia Research. The sum is likely to help double Mr Penny's fund-raising target from £10,000 to £20,000.

Mr Penny and his daughters set themselves the challenge after his wife Jenny died this year from Myeloid Leukaemia. With his 15-year-old Fran by his side and disabled 13-year-old Hannah strapped to his back, he battled against appalling weather to reach the top of Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon.

John Mathew of Core Investments Limited in Halesowen was touched by the story of the trio and remembered them when cash from his firm was being earmarked for charity. He said: "I was very pleased for them and for those people who might benefit from the money he has raised."

The company's gift is just one of the many surprise donations Mr Penny has been overwhelmed with. He said: "My aim was to raise £10,000. Now because of the enormous response from family, friends, acquaintances and people I don't even know, I am expecting that sum to double," he said.

Friends at Chipping Campden School are now planning a '60s charity dance to round off the fund-raising.

Tickets are £10 each and include a ploughman's supper.

Anyone who would like to join the fun, and contribute to Leukaemia Research can contact Mr Penny on 01386 45757.