RUGBY league legends are joining forces for a gruelling fundraising challenge in support of the Danny Jones Defibrillator Fund.

Kevin Sinfield, Barrie McDermott and Terry O’Connor are part of a team taking on the national Three Peaks.

The group will also include Lizzie Jones, who set up the fund in tribute to her late husband Danny.

The Keighley Cougars and Wales international half-back collapsed and died from an underlying heart condition while playing for his club against London Skolars in May, 2015. He was 29.

Already, the defibrillator project – launched in conjunction with the RFL Benevolent Fund – has raised enough money for dozens of clubs to receive the devices. Mrs Jones has personally presented machines to several West Yorkshire rugby clubs, plus the cricket club and community centre in her home village of Northowram.

More than 20 volunteers are tackling the Three Peaks challenge, with the aim of conquering Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon within 24 hours. It begins on June 10.

“I’m really looking forward to it,” said Mr Sinfield, the RFL’s director of rugby, who last month completed his first London Marathon.

“The marathon was great but it’s very much an individual event. The opportunity to do the Three Peaks challenge as part of a fantastic team was something I jumped at, especially as it’s for such a brilliant cause.

“Lizzie has done some terrific work with the defibrillator fund in circumstances that few of us can imagine and I’m delighted to do what I can to ensure Danny’s memory leaves a lasting legacy.”

Mr McDermott, who is now a member of the Sky Sports rugby league commentary team alongside fellow ex-Ireland and Great Britain prop Terry O’Connor, is also relishing the challenge.

“The Danny Jones Defibrillator Fund has done so much good for the game and it’s great to able to lend it my support,” he said.

“I climbed Kilimanjaro with the Steve Prescott Foundation a couple of years ago but everyone keeps telling me this is going to be tougher.

“There will be such an immense sense of achievement when we come down from the last mountain.”

Mr O’Connor said the challenge, sponsored by Unique Fundraising, would involve more walking than he has attempted before.

And he paid a special tribute.

“Lizzie has been an inspiration to us all and with the support of the other walkers it’s going to be 24 hours none of us will ever forget.

“More importantly, the money we raise will offer life-saving protection to players, officials and supporters at rugby league clubs around the UK.”

Mrs Jones thanked the trio and all those taking part.

She added: “The support we have had from the whole rugby league family since Danny’s death has been incredible.”

To donate, go to justgiving.com/fundraising/LizzieJones6.