A 24-HOUR mountain challenge and a 104-mile bike ride have raised thousands of pounds for a charity – despite one fundraiser having to be airlifted to hospital.

Eight members of Letchworth Round Table managed to reach the summit of Snowdon in Wales, Scafell Pike in England and Ben Nevis in Scotland, all in under 24 hours, receiving donations totalling more than �3,000 in the process for the Willow Foundation.

The final climb of the Three Peaks Challenge wasn’t without incident though with former chairman of the Round Table group Ian Hunt falling down Ben Nevis, breaking his right foot and being airlifted off the mountain and taken to hospital.

Dan Ince, chairman of Letchworth Round Table, open to men from 18-45, said: “Ian was 30 minutes from the top when he fell. A big thank you to the helicopter crew and the hospital staff who were a great help.

“It was still a fantastic experience, one of the best things we’ve ever done and the fact that we raised so much money for charity is a wonderful bonus.”

Staff at The Fox in Willian have also been taking part in their own fundraiser for the Willow Foundation, which provides days out for seriously ill adults between 16 and 40-years-old.

Nine employees – dubbed The Fox Peddlars – cycled 104 miles from The White Horse in Brancaster, Norfolk, back to the pub in Willian Road.

Following the ride, a cheque for �3,478 has been presented to former Scotland international football goalkeeper Bob Wilson, who founded the charity.

John Anderson, manager at The Fox in Willian, said: “Willow Foundation is such a worthwhile charity that provides special days for seriously ill 16-40 year olds. The Fox Peddlars are extremely touched at the generosity of the donations received so far. A massive amount has been raised by very generous donations from our friends and customers at The Fox and donations are still coming in. A huge thank you to all our supporters and we thoroughly enjoyed the cycle ride as well.”