A GROUP of friends from Hinkley Point B power station near Bridgwater will be tackling the three highest peaks in Scotland, England and Wales to raise money for a charity set up in memory of the toddler son of one of the team.

Paul Stevens, who lives in Watchet, lost his son Elliot at the age of just 13-months to mitochondrial disease and cardiomyopathy.

Cardiomyopathy affects the heart muscle, compromising the organ’s ability to pump blood around the body, while mitochondrial disease is a rare genetic condition which can affect any organ but which leaves cells unable to produce enough energy to work.

Paul will be joined by eight colleagues from the station’s Workplace Solutions team to take part in the Three Peaks Challenge on July 7-8 to raise money for Elliot’s Touch.

The charity was set up by Paul and his wife Donna in 2015 to raise awareness of the diseases and to fund research into the conditions.

The workmates will have to climb Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon in just 24 hours.

They have already raised more than £1,400 for the charity and are aiming to collect at least £3,000.

“This is a tough physical challenge and will also require support and a minibus to get the team between the different mountains,” said team member Andy Turnbull.

“We are hoping to raise as much money as possible for Elliot's Touch and to add some extra incentive, for each donation of £5 we receive we will enter the donors name into a few prize draw with a first prize of £300 in Sainsbury’s vouchers.”

The team taking part in the challenge alongside Paul and Andy, who lives in Combwich, are Matt Wheeler of Cannington, Mark Boobyer of Taunton, Andy Potter of Bridgwater, Gary Potter of Bishops Lydeard, Andy Bryan of Combwich and Jonathan Barker of Taunton.

The group will be driven between the peaks by Kevin Hoyle, who lives in Watchet.

Anyone who would like to sponsor the group can make a donation online through the website www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ElliotsTouch-3PeaksChallenge.