Former Western Daily Press features editor George Frew, who last year lost his battle with lung cancer, is to be remembered with a charity event in his honour.

Fellow journalist Steve White, who worked closely with George, is organising The George Frew Memorial Three Peaks Challenge - and is looking for 20 teams of journalists to take part.

George

It is hoped the event - which will see teams of walkers tackle Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon, one after the other - will raise thousands of pounds in sponsorship money, which will be split between the Newspaper Press Fund and Cancer Research.

Steve said: "In the last few weeks of his life George mentioned several times to me that he felt terribly guilty that he would never be able to repay those who had helped him during his illness - particularly the Newspaper Press Fund and medical staff.

"I promised I would organise an event in his name with a view to raising funds for those he felt indebted to."

Steve

The charity climb is scheduled for the weekend of June 26 and 27, and Steve has already enlisted a team of expert walkers to lead the event.

He has also booked dinner and beds for 100 people at Snowdon for a celebration presentation party when the event is completed - and all he needs now is volunteers to take part.

Steve said: "I hope we can find 60 journalists (20 teams) from across the UK who think they are fit enough to respond to this challenge.

"Everyone who signs up will receive expert briefings on everything they need to know about tackling the Three Peaks. It's a great challenge and, when completed, a great achievement."

Each team of four will be made up of three walkers and a driver who, with the guidance of a team of expert walkers, will cover 26 miles of walking over difficult terrain, and 500 miles of driving.

Steve said: "You need to be pretty fit to get through it. Although it is perfectly possible to complete it in less than 24 hours, because of the numbers involved and because we must stick together for safety, we expect the teams to take about 30 to 32 hours.

"The walk is timed to start at first light on the Saturday and finish around lunchtime on the Sunday. That should give us a few hours to get cleaned up and rest before celebrating in style."

Anyone who would like to take part in the challenge, should contact Steve on 0117 934 3259 or by e-mail at s.white@bepp.co.uk.

He is also keen to hear from any potential sponsors, who could contribute to the cost of accommodation and food.

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