A Space Solutions architect and his colleagues are set to tackle one of the UK's greatest endurance challenges to mark the first anniversary of his dad's death.

Ruari Campbell, 28, along with his brother Daniel, 26, and three of Ruari's colleagues, Calum Smith, 30, Steve Smith, 30 and Jonathan Wisely, 34, will take on the grueling Three Peaks Challenge to raise cash for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

The epic test, involving climbing more than 26 miles in 24 hours, comes a year after Ruari's dad, John, 53, died after a battle with lung cancer. The five will begin their challenge at the foot of Wales' highest mountain, the 1085m Snowdon, on the morning of July 5 with 24 hours to complete the challenge.

From there the group, being driven by friend Ed Lawson, will travel by minibus to climb the highest mountain in England, the 978m Scafell Pike before driving through the night to take on the 1344m Ben Nevis. Space Solutions will pay the transport and accommodation costs for the group so that all sponsorship is directed straight to Marie Curie Cancer Care.

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Ruari said: "So many people are touched by cancer and Marie Curie Cancer Care provides an absolutely invaluable service. Everyone thought we were mad to take on this challenge and we actually began thinking that ourselves. Because we were putting ourselves through so much we thought that a fantastic cause such as Marie Curie should benefit and to help them expand their great work."

The group have completed a trial run at Ben Nevis and managed the trek in four hours. Each of the men are involved in different sports and lead active lifestyles but Ruari admits there might be some sore legs at work the Monday following the walk.

Ruari said: "We are all pretty fit and active but this is completely unchartered territory for all of us. It will be a great challenge and we are really looking forward to doing it, although there is the incentive of the pub at the bottom of Ben Nevis to help us through should it get tough near the end."

The group is aiming to raise as much cash as possible and has already collected more than £1500. The walkers are appealing to anyone interested in sponsoring them can make a donation through their website.

(GK/JM)