A takeaway owner has completed an ‘incredible’ trek after only taking up hiking during the pandemic.

Adam Sayid decided to tackle the UK’s biggest mountain for Marie Curie and helped to raise more than a thousand pounds for the end of life charity’s Great Daffodil Appeal.

Dad-of-four Adam said: “I had never walked big distances before the lockdown and once I started, I was hooked. 

“Now I have been up a mountain and raised thousands for Marie Curie in the process. This was the biggest and most strenuous challenge in my life but also the most rewarding. Hiking is a different level and great for your physical and mental health. 

“I would recommend anyone to try it. You don’t need a membership as it is all free. You just need a good pair of shoes, a coat and then get out your front door and just walk.” 

Adam – who runs Spice King curry house in Preston took up hiking during the lockdown to get some fresh air and exercise. 

He started walking in parks with his family near Preston during the pandemic taking on hills in Lancashire and Oldham 

Before long before he wanted a bigger challenge and him and his daughter decided to attempt a real mountain and trekked up Mount Snowdon in Wales. 

He said: “We only planned to go halfway up but, in the end, we went up and down in just over ten hours.”

This encouraged him to do something bigger by himself but this time for charity. He signed up to conquer Ben Nevis in aid of Marie Curie and their Great Daffodil Appeal, managing it in just over eight hours.

Adam’s whose hike raised £1,028 added: “There was magnificent scenery on the way up such as really high stunning waterfalls which was breath taking. 

“I got to the summit in three and half hours and you were so high you felt like you were close to heaven as you were above the clouds. It was a brilliant sense of achievement going up and down. 

“I did this challenge for Marie Curie as they do such valuable work with the terminally ill that needs recognition, especially in the Asian community.”

Now his challenge has inspired the next generation of walkers in his community.

The 47-year-old said: “We try to get out once a week and I have a group of walkers who come with me, and my friends and family message me on Facebook about walking. 

“I  have also joined  a walking Facebook group set up for Asian walkers. My curry takeaway staff are all up for a challenge as well and have all got their boots and we will be going out as team this summer for our next charity walk.”

Gina Hopwood Marie Curie Community Fundraiser for Lancashire said: “We work really closely with the Preston and Lancashire community. 

“It has been a privilege to be involved with Adam in supporting his historic Mountain challenge. Every donation that Marie Curie receives for our Great Daffodil Appeal will allow us to continue our vital work to support terminally ill in the community providing care, advice and support.”