A GROUP of serving and veteran military personnel, along with able-bodied civilians are to tackle a mammoth trek to raise money for the Luke Mortimer appeal which has just topped £107,000.

Luke, 7, from Skipton, contracted bacterial meningitis before Christmas and is being treated in Sheffield Children’s Hospital.

Among the latest groups to rally round is a team lead by Skipton man James Metcalf.

James and at least four other serving and ex servicemen have pledged to tackle the national Three Peaks, the Yorkshire Three peaks and the Welsh mountains of Cadair Idris and Pen-y-Fan, all within 48 hours.

“If everything is on our side we should have a window of around 14 minutes to play with in order to reach our target time,” said James.

The group, calling itself 5-TREK-6, intends to complete the task, fully self-supported, on June 11 this year.

The target to raise was set at £5,000, but the JustGiving page has already attracted more than £2,320 in donations so it is likely to surpass this very soon. The fundraising page to leave a donation can be found at: https://bit.ly/2HfjqwQ

As well as a charity rugby match being held at Sandylands on February 29, through Skipton RFC, Skipton Town Football Club has announced a charity football match on Sunday, May 3 at the Deman Stadium, in Engine Shed Lane..

This will feature stars from Hollyoaks, Emmerdale, SAS Who Dares Wins, singers, comedians, sports stars and ex professional footballers.

Skipton’s Venue is hosting a charity night on Thursday, February 20, with guest celebrities former striker and captain of Bradford City, Lee Duxbury; former Burnley FC player Roger Eli and past Birmingham City and England soccer star Mike Hellawell.

The evening will include collectors items, autographed footballs and shirts from the present day football scene, including Premier League clubs.

Several other individuals have raised funds, including The Branding Iron tattoo studio, in Water Street, Skipton, which raised £715 over two days.

Ilkley Juniors and Minis are raising funds for Luke through a raffle where tickets are available in the club, from juniors and minis coaches and from 21 The Grove. Tickets are priced at £2.

Luke has had several visitors including England and Great Britain union and league rugby player Jason Robinson. Several other stars have sent him video messages to boost his morale.

To donate to the Luke Mortimer fundraising page, visit: https://bit.ly/2uFjzXE. Follow his progress on #thisisluke