Onwards and upwards!

They’re more used to scaling the heights of the business world, but next month a team of walkers from a York networking group will be taking on more than 2,000 metres of ascent for a city charity.

Around 10 members of the Minster Branch of Business Network International are in serious training for the gruelling Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge.

They’ll be aiming to conquer Whernside, Pen Y Ghent and Ingleborough, covering 24.5 tough miles in just 12 hours to raise money for York Against Cancer.

They’re taking up the gauntlet thrown down to them by member Julie Russell, YAC’s general manager , and have already done a series of training walks to get them in shape for the challenge on September 29.

“We have done numerous walks of varied distance and ascent and have managed to do two of the three peaks at once, which was 16 miles and a challenge.

“We have got to know one another on another level – we have all been struggling and encouraging each other and that is what has been so nice.”

There will be only just over 12 hours of daylight when the team takes on the Yorkshire Three Peaks, so they’ll need to be on their mettle to complete the walk before darkness falls.

“We’re staying close by overnight and setting off at the crack of dawn,” said Julie. “I am sure adrenaline and determination will get us through!

“We all know someone close to us with cancer and this is for them. At the end of the day our legs will ache and we will be tired but this is about raising money and doing something for other people.”

Julie and the rest of the team have a JustGiving page and are working towards a £3,000 fundraising target. Support them here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/bniknavesmire2018