A TEAM of officers from Wiltshire Police have scaled the three highest peaks in England, Scotland and Wales to raise money for a cause that helped two children in their final days.

The team completed the Three Peaks Challenge for Naomi House in memory of two special children.

PC James Trafford, of the Roads Policing Unit, was joined by a group of his friends, who all work at Wiltshire Police in the Traffic, Firearms and Dogs departments.

When PC Trafford and his wife Jo’s son Will was referred to Naomi House in Winchester when he was six months old, he had been diagnosed with a degenerative brain disorder. He was blind and had to be fed through a tube. The doctors had exhausted all options and there was nothing more they could do.

PC Trafford said: “The home was filled with laughter from children, their families and the staff. Will had one to one care from a nurse and Jo and I stayed in the family rooms. During the evenings we could relax and recharge knowing Will was being cared for.”

Sadly, Will died at Naomi House on October 5, 2007.

“Will was snuggled into my arm when he passed away,” said PC Trafford. “We stayed at the hospice and were looked after by the family support team. The help and support at Naomi House made the worst experience in our life manageable.”

On July 30 last year, the Trafford’s welcomed Bethany - named Nessie by her big sister - into the world.

“When Nessie was born myself and Jo recognised the early signs that she had the same condition as her brother and she was not expected to survive for six months. Her epilepsy was worse than her brother's,” he said.

Once again, Naomi House cared for Nessie and her family. The staff worked hard to organise facilities and medical supplies for the family at home, liaising between the various doctors and the family’s GP, adjusting Nessie’s medication so that she was comfortable. Meanwhile, the family support team visited to help tell the Trafford’s two-year-old daughter Katy what was happening.

Nessie deteriorated rapidly and died at home with her family on February 13 this year.

“We took Nessie to Naomi House where we put her in the butterfly suite and stayed with her until the funeral,” said PC Trafford.

“The staff made such a fuss of Katy that she thought it was an amazing holiday. The support since both of our children’s deaths has been fantastic. We hope you never need their services, but for the families who do, the money raised for Naomi House and Jacksplace is invaluable.”

Speaking after completing the challenge, PC Trafford said: "We did it! We had horrendous weather conditions on Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis. We ended up helping a father and son down Scafell in the dark after they had underestimated the weather conditions and were trying to camp near the top.

"The navigational skills of Will Browning and Damo Galley saved everyone a long cold night in the dense fog.

"I am extremely grateful and somewhat overwhelmed that my team planned this challenge whilst I was off work to support Naomi House. As well as an amazing fundraiser, with over £7,300 raised to date, it was a great team building weekend away."

Donations can still be made at www.justgiving.com/will-and-nessie.