TWELVE members of Basingstoke Sports Centre raised thousands of pounds for charity by taking on a gruelling Three Peaks challenge with a difference.

The team climbed the highest peaks in Scotland, England and Wales but, instead of driving between the mountains as the majority of Three Peaks challengers do, they cycled the 466 miles and completed the entire challenge in less than six days.

The challenge was only made possible by the generosity of staff at Basingstoke College of Technology (BCOT), who loaned a minibus which acted as a support vehicle, carrying spare kit and supplies.

The challenge, which was organised by cycling enthusiasts Craig Heggie, of Oakley, and Chris Hillman, of Chineham, raised funds for two charities.

These were Sebastian’s Action Trust, a charity which is building a holiday house in North Waltham for seriously-ill children, and Breast Cancer Care, a charity that provides support and information for anyone affected by breast cancer.

Mr Heggie, of Andover Road, Oakley, is a spinning instructor at Basingstoke Sports Centre. The 40-year-old said: “It went absolutely fantastic. Everything went to plan, our support staff were brilliant, we had the wind on our backs and we thrashed our target.

“We hoped to do it under six days, and we did it in five days, 10 hours. Also, we were hoping to raise £5,000 and we’ve actually got between £6,000 and £7,000.

“We’d also like to thank BCOT, who stepped in and literally saved the day.”

Jonathan Lee, marketing and publicity manager for BCOT, said: “When BCOT was asked to help out with this exciting challenge, we were more than happy to step in.

“Sebastian’s Action Trust and Breast Cancer Care are two great causes.”

The team started the challenge by climbing Ben Nevis on Monday, June 29. They completed the final climb at Snowdon on Saturday July 4.

In total, they climbed 3,407 metres and cycled 466 miles.