Twelve HiB employees this weekend embarked on the 24-hour Three Peaks Challenge in aid of the Mind and Starlight charities.

The Challenge sees participants scale three of the highest peaks in the UK, Snowdon (1085m), Scafell Pike (978m) and Ben Nevis (1344m), in just 24 hours.

Covering just over 26 miles and navigating 11,000 feet of mountain terrain in 24 hours - with a minimum of 11 hours’ drive in between - the hike is widely regarded as among the most gruelling mountaineering events in the UK and a true test of personal stamina.

Having undergone months of training, including test runs climbing Scafell Pike and Snowdon, the HiB team completed the challenge on 6 September, 2015, within the 24 hour time limit, spurred on by the knowledge they had raised more than £8,000 for nominated charities Mind and Starlite.

Robert Ginsberg, HiB managing director and organiser of the charity challenge, said: “While we’ve done lots of fundraising events in the past, as it is our 25th anniversary this year we wanted to do something different which really pushed our limits – and the 24-hour Three Peaks Challenge was the obvious choice.

“Originally, when we first discussed the climb, over half of our staff expressed interest, which was fantastic - however, we eventually decided upon a team of our 12 strongest staff – two of each from each of our six departments.

“After all, The Three Peaks Challenge is not for the fainthearted; Ben Nevis is the highest peak in the British Isles and Scafell Pike is the highest mountain in England – while all three have incredibly difficult terrains.”

“Although it was a huge challenge, we had a fantastic weekend. It was great to see such camaraderie throughout the team and we are delighted to have been able to raise a significant amount for two such worthwhile causes in our 25th anniversary year.”

Donations to the fundraising campaign can be made by visiting http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/hibthreepeaks.