STAFF and members of Craven Leisure in Skipton laced their walking boots and took on the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge – raising a splendid amount of money for a deserving charity.

A cheque for £3,325 has been handed over to representatives at Yorkshire Air Ambulance thanks to the fundraising efforts of staff and members at the leisure centre in Aireville Park.

Staff members Anthony Slater, Fiona Cowgill, Chris Cuthbert, Lucy Summersgill, Claire Megson, Steph Harrison and Rebecca Reynolds were joined by 44 members and put their best foot forward as they climbed the summits of Penyghent, Whernside and Ingleborough - three of the highest peaks in Yorkshire.

The team members completed the three peaks, covering a distance of 25 miles, in around nine hours - easily within the challenge limit of under 12 hours.

Summing up the success of the fundraiser, Anthony Slater, operations manager at Craven Leisure, said it had been very good day.

“It was a fantastic charity challenge and we’ve been delighted with the community spirit of people taking part and donating towards a cause close to our hearts.

“The Yorkshire Air Ambulance is a worthy charity that needs to raise £12,000 per day in order to keep the two air ambulances running. This is the second time Craven Leisure staff have participated in the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge and I am pleased to say we did very well and the weather was glorious.

“Thank you to each and everyone who participated in the challenge and for the kind people who donated.”

Tessa Klemz, North Yorkshire regional fundraiser at Yorkshire Air Ambulance, said: “We would like to thank Craven Leisure for their generosity and support and congratulate their staff members on completing one of Yorkshire’s toughest challenges, the Three Peaks.

“As an independent charity, we are very grateful for all the support we receive from local communities and the £3,325 raised from the challenge will help greatly towards keeping our helicopters airborne and saving lives across the region.