AN EVESHAM family, who have lost a loving wife and mother, is climbing the highest peaks in her memory.

Chipping Campden special needs teacher, Julie Penny, was untimely wrenched from her family at the age of 44 after a 10-month battle against acute Myeloid Leukaemia.

One day last year she went for a routine blood test after spots appeared on her face. The next day she was diagnosed, and the fight to save her was launched with a three-and-a- half-month course of treatment at Cheltenham General Hospital.

The mother of two later underwent a bone marrow transplant, quality of life returned and Julie was in reprieve for about three months, however the killer disease returned and she passed away on April 23 this year.

Now her husband Chris, and daughters Fran and Hannah have set themselves a challenge - to climb Britain's highest peaks and raise money for Leukaemia Research.

Mr Penny, also a teacher, said: "It's going to be a hard challenge; I will have my disabled daughter on my back, but it's something we want to do for Julie.

"I talked about it to my wife before she died.

"Poignantly the day we finish the challenge - August 12 - would have been our 23rd wedding anniversary."

Chris said the family had always been extremely active, travelling the world on exciting holidays for the benefit of Hannah who enjoyed travelling.

Because she is unable to walk she loves being taken anywhere, particularly on her dad's back.

Chris said: "I am glad we packed so much into our lives, I didn't realise then that we were doing it for Julie too."

Apart from Hannah's four stone weight on his back and 15-year-old Fran by his side, a party of friends and family will also be accompanying Chris in the climb up Ben Nevis in Scotland, Scafell Pike in England and Snowdon in Wales.

Any individual or organisation willing to sponsor the family is urged to contact him on 01386 45757.

Alternatively watch out for Chris who will be dropping off sponsor forms in Evesham and Campden very shortly.