MP takes three peaks in stride

By [jpeck]

AN ARDUOUS 12-hour charity hike up three of the Pennine's toughest peaks was tackled by Bassetlaw's MP.

John Mann MP (pictured) pulled on his walking boots and took on the 24.5 mile trek on Sunday.

He tackled the gruelling Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge to raise money for the Bassetlaw Breastcare Appeal.

"It was tough, but all for a good cause," said Mr Mann after the challenge.

"It was below freezing on top of the peaks with ferocious winds. The first peak was relatively simple, the second was harder and the third was painful."

Mr Mann said he wanted to help the appeal reach its target of £250,000, which it is reported to be close to achieving.

The hike covered the peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough, which form part of the Pennine range and encircle the River Ribble in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Mr Mann, who is patron of the Breastcare Appeal, was joined by wife Jo, and supported by energetic Bassetlaw Hospital's Dr Murad El-Salamani, Mary Mitchell and Mike Rhodes.

Three members of Bassetlaw Hill and Mountain Club joined Mr Mann's team too.

The group started and ended their 12-hour trip at Pen-y-ghent, from the village of Horton in Ribblesdale.