ASSISTING in a rescue, running up Britain's three highest mountains and sailing the length of the British Isles -- all to raise cash for a good cause.

That's what runners Stevie Gregg, Dave Ferrier and Neil Morris, along with sailors Steve Bracher and skipper, Mike Pagett did in a gruelling charity event.

The Barmouth to Fort William Three Peaks Race, an annual event in its 26th year, sees teams sail to the ports nearest to the highest mountains in England, Scotland and Wales.

Teams of two then cycle and run to, up and back from the peaks before setting sail.

After Dave and Steve faced gale-force winds on the summit of Snowdon, and passing the Fylde Coast in the early hours of the morning, Dave and Neil faced drama on the slopes of Scafell.

As the runners were descending from England's highest mountain, they heard a scream and frantic blasts on an emergency whistle. A young mother, walking with her husband and two young children had suffered an injury to her ankle and would need expert help to get off the mountain. Dave used his mobile phone to contact the mountain rescue team.

Neil , a Blackpool firefighter, takes up the story: "The cold and shock were our main problems. Being on a very exposed part of the Mountain the wind was blowing straight up off Wastwater and the shock of the accident started to make our casualty very cold. Luckily, the organisers of our 3 peaks yacht race make all the runner's carry a very comprehensive list of safety equipment, including sleeping bag, bivvy bag, spare clothing and emergency food to name just a few!"

Fortunately, the Mountain rescue team arrive within an hour and Neil added: "They did a brilliant job and it wasn't long before a Royal Navy helicopter came to airlift the injured walker to hospital.

"Landing on a ridiculously narrow ledge we felt privileged to experience these unsung heroes at work on the cold and windy slopes of Scafell."

The team, in their boat, Pagett's Lady, continued to Fort William and, eventually, completed the epic journey in a time of five days, 12 and a half hours.

The team returned to a surprise party, having raised more than £1,000 to help young Lottie Johnson experience swimming with dolphins.