A SAILOR from Crewkerne has completed the Three Peaks Challenge with 15 of his HMS Queen Elizabeth shipmates to raise money for Help for Heroes.

Leading airman Pete Medhurst, 31, was part of the team from the Portsmouth-based ship that successfully climbed the highest mountains in England, Scotland and Wales within 24 hours. 

They started in Scotland by scaling Ben Nevis, Britain's highest peak which stands at 1,345 metres. 

After that, they travelled south to the Lake District National Park to take on Scafell Pike, England's highest mountain at 978 metres. 

They completed their gruelling challenge at Mount Snowdon in Wales (1,085 metres). 

The 16-strong group of sailors have raised £2,627 of their £3,000 target.

Challenge organiser Kieran James, 27, a naval airman onboard the Navy’s fleet flagship, said: "We all felt strongly that we wished to help raise money for a charity that does so much to support military veterans.

"It may be one of us – or one of our colleagues – who needs to call on that support in the future.

“We chose to complete the National Three Peaks Challenge as it was, clearly, a good physical test for us, something that would live long in our memories, and, logistically, over and done with quickly.

"It was tough going in places, but we’re trained to overcome such challenges and we achieved it with only a few bruises and blisters to show for it."

Chard & Ilminster News: CLIMB: LA Medhurst (fourth from left) and his shipmates at the peak of Ben Nevis, ScotlandCLIMB: LA Medhurst (fourth from left) and his shipmates at the peak of Ben Nevis, Scotland

He added: "We’re hoping people will support us in this venture and pledge a few pounds to help us help veterans who have been left with something significantly more substantial than bruises or blisters as a result of serving their country."

Help for Heroes supports people who were forced to leave their career in the armed forces because of physical or psychological wounds.

The money raised by Medhurst and his shipmates will support the charity in its work to help them and their families recover and get on with their lives. 

John Carpenter, Help for Heroes area fundraising manager, said: "Our thanks go out to the guys from HMS Queen Elizabeth for their sterling efforts.

"It’s heart-warming to see today’s military personnel putting themselves out for those who trod the path before them.

"Hopefully, none of the team will require support from us in the future, but, if they do, they can rest assured we’ll be there for them as we have been for thousands of others before them."

Help for Heroes has supported more than 26,500 people and will continue its work until every wounded veteran gets the support they deserve.

To donate to Pete Medhurst and his team's Help for Heroes fundraiser, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/qehandlers3peaks.

Read more: Ilminster man completes six marathon walks to help charity