Two students from West Nottinghamshire College climbed the summits of Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, and Snowdon in aid of national charity DrugFAM.

Uniformed protective services learners Thor Smith and Tom Ross took on the National Three Peaks Challenge, scaling the highest mountains in Scotland, England, and Wales — walking for more than 16 hours and experiencing wild camping. They were accompanied by UPS teacher Alan Viggers and plumbing technician Kate Earle.

Thor, Tom, and fellow student Sav Kamienowski, together with classmates on the Advanced Extended Diploma in Uniformed Protective Services, had already staged a fun day at the college’s Derby Road campus to begin the fundraising efforts.

So far they have raised more than £450 for the charity, which is close to Sav’s heart. It provides a lifeline for families, friends, and partners affected by someone else’s addiction to drugs, alcohol or gambling.

Mountain leader and UPS teacher Alan said: “Tom, Thor and Kate showed tenacity, resilience, guts, and teamwork in climbing all three mountains with barely any rest.

“They were inspired by Sav, who sadly lost a close friend recently. I’m proud to have been involved with this team, going deep into their physical and emotional reserves. Well done, everyone.”

Kate, of Mansfield, who had taken part in one mountaineering expedition with the college previously, said: “It was out of this world and I’m so thankful that Alan was our leader.

“I pushed myself to the limit, both physically and mentally. It was an honour to be a part of the team — they showed great support and were amazing at spurring each other on.

“I maintained a positive outlook throughout the weekend, but at one stage I nearly gave up and negativity was creeping in. I was close to saying, ‘I can’t do this’ when we were climbing Scafell, but Alan was so supportive, and soon snapped me out of it, encouraging me to push through.”

The challenge was completed with little sleep, but went without a hitch. The group experienced excellent weather, witnessing multiple sunrises, sunsets and even a cloud inversion with peaks appearing above a layer of fluffy clouds.

Thor added: “I knew it was going to be a big challenge, going through painful hours of mountain walking, but it was all for a good cause.

“This was so good for me as I made connections with the team, and it brought out a different side to me, persevering through the climbs even if I was deprived from sleep or my legs were aching.”

Tom said it was a great experience and taught him that you can achieve things, physically and mentally, when you put your mind to it.

“I loved every second, particularly doing it all for a great cause,” he added. “The whole team showed such great resilience and determination.”

The group’s GoFundMe page is still open for donations, go to www.gofundme.com