TWO colleagues from Airedale Hospital's A&E department are tackling a gruelling 24-hour charity challenge.

Martin Wiseman and Peter Lawson aim to complete the national Three Peaks – Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon – within 24 hours.

The duo will be joined by family and friends in this weekend's marathon effort.

The team – which also includes Mr Wiseman's 18-year-old son Matthew, and Peter Birks, Mathew Clark, Ben Greary, Clive Mack and Ellie Schofield – has been in training since Christmas, cycling, walking and running.

And it has climbed two of Yorkshire's Three Peaks, Whernside and Ingleborough, to put itself through its final paces and sort out any last-minute kit changes.

Proceeds from the sponsored event, which will involve 25 miles of walking and 3,000-metre-plus ascents, are going to Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice Manorlands and the Airedale Hospital Emergency Department Appeal.

Mr Wiseman, a charge nurse, said: “Our biggest concern is the tiredness and all that can bring with it, as none of us have ever walked ‘overnight’ before.

"But we are keen to get on with it now and I know everyone will support each other throughout the challenge.”

The team will start at the foot of Ben Nevis at 5pm tomorrow and then after conquering Scotland's highest peak will head south to climb Scafell Pike at dawn, before moving on to Snowdon.

Mr Lawson, a senior health care support worker, will be behind the wheel of the support vehicle as they cover the 470 miles between mountains.

The team hopes its efforts will bring in hundreds or even thousands of pounds for the charities.

The Emergency Department appeal aims to raise £100,000 to buy desperately-needed resources for the new unit, due to open in the autumn.

Mr Wiseman said: “Working in the health service for the last twenty years I've seen the real difference new and enhanced equipment can make to patients, whether it’s medical items such as cardiac monitors or things like reclining chairs that help patients who are having lengthy treatment and find it easier to sit up rather than lie down in a bed.”

To sponsor the team, log on to virginmoneygiving.com/team/N3P14 to support Manorlands or justgiving.com/airedalehospitalemergencydepartmentappeal for the Emergency Department Appeal.

For further information about the Emergency Department Appeal and how to support it, email charitable.funds@anhst.nhs.uk, visit airedale-trust.nhs.uk/charity or call 01535 294546. Text EDAP 50 £5 to 70070 to make a donation.