THREE Blackpool runners face an uphill struggle as they bid to scale Britain's three highest mountains -- by boat!

Neil Morris, Steve Gregg and Dave Ferrier are taking part in the unique 'Three Peaks Yacht Race' in a bid to raise money to help six-year-old Lottie Johnson experience an encounter with dolphins.

The gruelling event arts in Barmouth, Wales, on June 21, when 25 crews of five set sail for Caernarfon.

There, two members of the crew will run the 28 miles to the summit of Snowdon, Wales' highest peak, and back to the port.

From there, they will head for Whitehaven, Cumbria, where they will travel 11 miles to Ennersdale by mountain bike, before heading on a 22 mile run up Scafell, England's highest peak.

The final leg will take the boats to Fort William and up the third of the three peaks, the 23 miles tot he summit of Ben Nevis.

The ship, 'Padgett's Lady' will be skippered by the experiences Mike Padgett, of Fleetwood based 'sailing for fun.'

The team hope to make a big difference to Lottie, whose father, George, is originally from Blackpool. The family now live in Sheffield.

Lottie was exposed to the CMV virus before her birth and was born with significant brain damage. She will need constant care for the rest of her life, and the team hope to help her to a once-in-a-lifetime session with the dolphins that she and her family will never forget.

The team have already been in training for the 389 mile sea journey -- which, last year, encountered force eight gales.

Steve has already crossed the North Atlantic in a 40 ft catamaran, while Dave is taking his offshore swimming certificate.

The runners have also been busy in the Mid Lancs Cross Country league and took part in the Dentdale and Coniston road races, while Neil completed this year's London Marathon in 4 hrs 37 mins. They now plan to take part in the 33-mile Sandstone Trail race in Cheshire.

If anyone wants to help the team by making a donation should contact Neil at Blackpool Fire Station on 01253 302524.