AN INTREPID trio of friends will be tackling some of the UK’s highest mountains in August – all in aid of raising money for CLIC Sargent.

Churchfields Academy HR manager Esther Newman, along with her close friends Denise Glover and Sonja Shedden, decided to take part in the Three Peaks Challenge in memory of Esther’s sister Zoe who died in 1991, aged six after suffering with leukaemia for five years.

Determined to keep her memory alive, Esther has since gone onto complete a whole host of exciting expeditions in aid of CLIC who helped bring her family together in Zoe’s final days.

Now, the 42-year-old is lacing up her walking boots once again for what she is considering to be her toughest challenge to date by trekking up Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis in 24 hours.

“Knowing it is for CLIC and in memory of Zoe does push you on to finish,” Esther said.

“I would think the toughest challenge would be the lack of sleep, I have completed the Moon Walk twice which was challenging but the stamina needed for the vertical ascent is much harder than just the marathon distance we have done before.

“I was 16 when I lost my sister and knowing that this money will help families of children with cancer and leukaemia means that I am giving something back. The times we had together were made special because of CLIC, we were able to remain a family while Zoe had treatment in Bristol by staying in a ‘home from home’. This meant we were able to spend our last Christmas together. I can never thank CLIC enough for the memories of this precious time which I will have forever. When I am finding it difficult I will think about the support I am giving to others which will carry me along the way.”

CLIC provides clinical, practical and emotional support to families to help them cope with cancer and get the most out of life during the time they have left with their loved ones.

Esther has been good friends with Sonja, 44 since last year after a chance meeting over their love of their cockapoodles Ruby and Bailey.

Sonja was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012 and after being given the all clear three years ago, she said she wanted to do her bit for charity.

She said: “After my own cancer diagnosis in 2012 I want to help make a difference in the fight against cancer to support children and their families. This challenge is also one of my lifelong dreams and I know more than anyone how precious life is so we need to make the most of it.”

Denise, 41, went to school with Esther and has also completed other challenges to support CLIC. She said while training is fully underway for the gruelling challenge, the trio are looking forward to getting their walking boots on come August 26.

“We have been completing weekly walks across the beautiful local countryside but will be doing longer walks in Wales in the run up to boost our fitness. Doing the challenge together means we can spur each other along the way, we are really looking forward to it."

Esther, who has worked at Churchfield for the last few years, added: “We need to raise over £1800 between us and having the school’s help with selling cakes is a great support.

“We have also been lucky enough to have been supported by Morrisons Regent Street who have allowed us to hold bucket collections at the store and donated cakes for the cake sale.”

To donate visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Esther-Newman7