THREE students tackled the Three Peaks Challenge to raise money for those suffering from Motor Neurone Disease after their ‘fun-loving nana’ died of the condition.

Pupils at The Petersfield School, 13-year-old Connie and 12-year-old Charlie Threadingham of East Meon and their cousin Jake, aged 14, a pupil at Warblington School, climbed the peaks over three days with their fathers Steve and Chris.

Mother of Connie and Charlie, Zoe Threadingham, said: “They climbed Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon to raise money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association, as they were left heartbroken when their healthy, active fun-loving Nana Maureen passed away in May from this dreadful disease.”

Their father Steve added: “Maureen was diagnosed with MND just six months before May.

“And it was heart wrenching to see how this disease affected her.

“Before she was a healthy wife and mother, but soon after being diagnosed, Nana could only communicate by writing on a white board due to the loss of her voice.

“And she was unable to walk from one room to another unassisted.”

And in memory of their beloved nana, the youngsters pledged to try to help by raising money for research into the life-limiting condition.

Steve said: “So they decided to walk the three peaks over a long weekend assisted by me and Chris.

“They want to raise as much as they can to help fund the research needed to stop this dreadful disease so others don’t have to go through what Maureen did.”

The intrepid team hoped to attempt the tough challenge before Maureen died, but sadly she passed away before they could set out.

So the start date for their physically-testing adventure was postponed until June 24.

Steve added: “We drove to the Scottish Highlands and camped the night before climbing Ben Nevis at 1,345 metres high.

“Then we camped in the Lake District the night before climbing Scafell Pike, at 964 metres.

“We finally went on to Snowdonia in Wales and climbed Mount Snowdon at 1,085 metres on the Sunday, before heading home.

“Well done Jake, Connie and Charlie – Nana would be so proud of you.”

But as well wanting to raise funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association, the daring youngsters hope their Three Peaks success will also raise awareness of the condition.

So far they have raised about £1,500, but they are hoping the total will be more.

To donate to their cause, search for the Justgiving webpage at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/steve-tilly-charlie