AN EX-soldier has conquered the highest mountains in England, Scotland and Wales to raise money for troops wounded in service.

John Wilson, 49, braved the wind and rain to climb Scafell Pike, Ben Nevis and Snowdon as part of the Three Peaks Challenge.

The feat was particularly impressive because he had to endure adverse weather conditions – and was even faced with an avalanche warning.

John, of the Ightenhill area of Burnley, has raised around £1,000 for the Help for Heroes charity, but is now urging more people to donate.

The challenge began on Tuesday when John, who works for the British Transport Police, in Preston, took on Ben Nevis, in Scotland.

After reaching the summit, he travelled down to Scafell Pike, in the Lake District, and then Snowdon, in Wales.

The father-of-two, who served in the Royal Artillery Regiment of the Army for 24 years, completed the challenge in 30 hours.

He said: “The weather was atrocious and there were really high winds. I got absolutely drenched – even my Gortex gave in eventually.

"There were times when I felt really down, but I kept thinking about those who have lost limbs and the mountains they have to climb.”

John, who was born in Lancaster but grew up in London, is due to marry his fiancee, Shirley O’Sullivan, in seven weeks.

His bride-to-be helped him out by picking him up after the first climb and driving him to the next.