THREE local firefighters successfully climbed the Uk’s three peaks challenge all within a 24-hour period.

The team, originally named FourFireFighters, featured two retained firemen from Whitchurch and two from Ross-on-Wye who set off on the challenge of climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon wearing a full fire kit and breathing apparatus sets.

But halfway up Ben Nevis, Joe Malsom unfortunately suffered an injury.

He pushed on for a few more miles but eventually could no longer continue. Incredibly unselfishly, Joe made the decision to step away from the challenge, leaving four to become three.

Ross firefighter, Shane Kittner, who has been at the station for the past four years, said that this three peaks challenge was part of a larger fundraising series of events taking four physically demanding challenges across the year to raise money for the Firefighters Charity.

Mr Kittner said: “The team which included Zav Gunn and Felix Garratt, both retained at Whitchurch, completed the UK three peaks challenge in 22 hours 44 minutes.

“And we recorded the following times for each mountain: Ben Nevis was four hours and 45 minutes; Scafell Pike, three hours and 26 minutes and Snowdon, three hours and 38 minutes.

The charity provides lifelong physical, mental, and practical health support to serving and retired fire service personnel and their families across the UK.

Mr Kittner said: “Unfortunately, due to all of the amazing work that the charity does, it is currently giving more than it is receiving.”

The team’s driver was Sam Crickmore, with guide Craig Stephens. The team’s transport was provided by Gwailia Hire and the food and nutrition supplies was donated by Morrisons.

The team’s efforts in completing the three peaks challenge managed to raise over £6,000 target via the JustGiving.com website.