FRIENDS and family of Jodie Willsher conquered the Yorkshire Three Peaks last weekend to raise funds for a lasting memorial in Skipton’s Aireville Park.

Fi Jenkinson, of Friends of Aireville Park, organised the Walk for Jodie to raise at least £2,000 to put towards a bench and piece of playground equipment as a memorial to Jodie, who tragically had her life taken away from her just before Christmas.

More than 20 people, wearing pink and sporting giraffe socks, completed the walk of Penyghent, Whernside and Ingleborough with most completing the challenge in under 12 hours, and so far raising more than £4,000, said Fi.

“This was the first time any one in the group has walked this distance and we were all aware of what a challenge it would be, but we wanted to do it for Jodie and we did it with smiles on our faces, because that’s how everyone remembers her. It is with great sadness that the walk has been organised, but it’s the way that Jodie lived her life which has inspired all of those around her. We would love to be able to raise the funds to help fund a large climbing frame but we need Skipton’s support to be able to achieve this.”

Businesses and schools in Skipton supported Walk for Jodie and even before last weekend's challenge, the group had already raised more than £800 to put towards the new play area in the park.

Anyone who would like to contribute to the memorial for Jodie, can do it on line at: localgiving.org/fundraising/walkforjodie/