A FATHER-OF-TWO and his friends have completed a gruelling climbing challenge in memory of his mum.

Dave Clarke, 41, took part in the Three Peaks Challenge to raise £4,000 for East Lancashire Hospice, where his mum, Margaret, spent her last days before she died.

Born in Blackburn but now living in St Helens, Mr Clarke and his team climbed Ben Nevis, Scarfell and Snowden in under 24 hours.

Mr Clarke said: “It is the hardest thing I have ever done, the lack of sleep and fatigue.

“My mum passed away at the hospice three years ago. My mates all knew my mum really well, and have been a great support on this challenge.

“A lot of them have either had loved ones cared for by the hospice, or know someone who has.

“All we did was walk up and down a few mountains. What the staff do on a daily basis is far more special.”