STILETTOS and cocktails are being swapped for walking boots and maps as a group of Solihull friends are taking on the Three Peaks challenge in memory of a friend.
Stephanie Loose, Abi Gumery, Lauren Kettle, Becky Nip and Sian Lyddy will be scailing Scafell, Ben Nevis and Snowdon in honour of Niamh – the sixth member of the friendship group – who died in April.
The 23-year-old suffered from Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy, a muscle wasting condition, which left her needing an electric wheelchair.
The girls have already started their training ten months ahead of their maiden hikes where they will raise funds for Muscular Dystrophy UK.
The group of six had been inseparable since they met at secondary school aged 11 and enjoyed going on holiday, dining out and getting takeaways and relaxing.
Stephanie said: “None of us are into climbing and we know it is a huge challenge.
“But we have joked about it in the past and Niamh said she would pay good money to watch us, so we thought we’d make it happen and put the money to a cause which was very important to her.
“Niamh’s condition went undiagnosed for most of her life. She finally finding out what the problem was aged 18.
“Niamh always passionate about travel and wanted to male travelling easier for those with disabilities.
“She managed to get her first job at a travel agency specialising in disabled travel at 18.
“By 21 she had bought her own flat and was living a very independent life.
“She had fantastic support from Muscular Dystrophy UK, (MDUK) and we want to give something back in memory of that.”
The group are hoping to raise £3,000 when they take on the Three Peaks next year.
For more or to donate visit https://www.justgiving.com/team/Threepeaksinmemoryofniamh.
