A GROUP of fundraisers had to be rescued after they found themselves stranded with no food or water while attempting a charity mountain climb.

Sam Harte and Vicky Nash, from Stevenage, and Lucy Stinson, from Cheshunt, were taking part in the National Three Peaks Challenge when they found themselves lost on Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in England.

The group, who were doing the climb to raise money for the East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust Charitable Fund, had been making good time until they took a wrong turn and found themselves in the dark without any phone reception.

Sam said: “We didn’t want to keep climbing up in the dark for fear of someone getting injured. We were forced to move lower down the mountain and wait until the sun came back up.”

After hours of waiting, the team were able to climb higher and contact the mountain rescue team.

“We are so grateful for how quick they were able to come and find us. It could have all been much worse without them,” said Mr Harte.

The climb, which involves climbing the three tallest mountains in England, Scotland and Wales in less than 24 hours, was not the first fundraising event the 24-year-old has taken part in.

Over the last year he has also completed a half marathon and performed 10,000 press ups in a month, raising money for Alzheimer’s Society and Lister Hospital.

To support Sam in his fundraising visit www.justgiving.com/samharte12