THIS group of fundraisers reached new heights as they climbed Ben Nevis in aid of a disabled children’s charity.

The four-strong group climbed the country’s highest mountain before cycling 25 miles and paddling one mile in a canoe.

The challenge took the team almost 12 hours to complete.

It was organised to raise funds for Children’s Opportunity Group (COG) in Lowndes Street Nursery, Halliwell.

So far, about £800 has been raised from the challenge and it is hoped the final total will be £2,000.

The money raised will be spent on a minibus, to allow COG to go on more day trips.

Emma Hargreaves came up with the idea because of her close connections with COG.

Miss Hargreaves’ friend Ailsa Piercey has Down’s syndrome, and her mother, Nicola McGuiness, set up COG 35 years ago to provide a stepping stone between home and nursery for disabled children aged under five.

Miss Hargreaves, aged 38, of Over Hulton, said: “I’m glad I did the challenge — it was a lot harder than I thought, but I’m proud we all managed to finish it. At points, I was thinking ‘I can’t do this’, but we pulled through and there was a great team spirit in the group.

“The views at the top of Ben Nevis were spectacular. It’s something I’ll never forget.”

Miss Hargreaves teamed up with her friends Paul Fulton, Jason Morris and Simon Stone for the climb.

Some of the money for the challenge was raised from a DJ night at The Bleachworks bar in Dunscar Business Park and a fun day at Bolton Golf Club in Lostock.

Ms McGuiness added: “It’s fantastic that we are getting this kind of support. We transport children around the borough and the buses cost quite a lot of money, so it’s very important that people keep raising funds to help us provide a service.”

To raise funds for the group’s challenge, visit everyclick.com/auracog.