RUDI the wonderdog led the way through all winds and all weathers when a team of charity fundraisers conquered Britain's three highest peaks at the weekend.

Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis all within 24 hours was the massive challenge facing the team, which included four members of the same West Craven family.

And leading the way was Rudi the Alsatian, a trained agility dog and accomplished mountaineer who belongs to Barnoldwick's Dr Ian Bower.

He was part of the two-vehicle support crew for the challenge, together with his son, Alistair, the official adjudicator Sidney Benson, and Rod Hemingway.

Two more of Dr Bower's sons, Michael and Robin, were part of the team actually climbing the mountains and raising money for Manorlands hospice, at Oxenhope.

Other team members were John White, Eddy Gandy, Willy Halliday and, from the Midlands, Nick Burton and his pal Martin.

Both Michael and John work at Turner and Wall Solicitors in Keighley, which supported the event, and there was more support from Chevin Cycles, in Otley, which leant a minibus as one of the support vehicles.

The challenge started at 9am on Saturday, when the climbers began their ascent of Wales' highest peak, Snowdon, in bright and sunny conditions.

The weather had worsened for climbing England's highest mountain, Scafell Pike, later that same day, with skies overcast and the evening light fading fast as the team descended.

It was then a long drive through the night to tackle Ben Nevis - Scotland's highest peak - at first light on Sunday. And waiting there were the worst conditions of all.

"Ben Nevis was an absolute washout," explained Michael, the challenge's main organiser.

"As we approached it there was torrential rain and a huge thunderstorm.

"I was going to postpone it because it would have been too dangerous to go on the mountain with all the lightning.

"But, as luck would have it, just as we got there the thunderstorm moved on. It was still raining hard and the visibility was poor but we got up and down safely."

As for Rudi, Michael added that he was "a sterling chap".

"He was the first to the summit and the last to leave. He seemed to enjoy sitting on the summit looking around - not that you could see much!"

Best of all, and despite the weather, the team finished their challenge with time in hand.

In fact, they managed the national three peaks in 22 hours and 35 minutes from starting the first climb to finishing the last.

Between them the climbers hope to raise around £700 in sponsorship for Manorlands, and it's not too late to make a donation in recognition of their magnificent effort.

Anyone wanting to do so can call Michael at Turner and Wall on 01535 607831, or Dr Bower at Barnoldswick Medical Centre on 01282 812244.

Picture shows (left to right) Robin, Martin, Willy, Rudi the Alsatian, Michael and Nick on the summit of Scafell Pike.

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