TWO friends climbed three of the highest mountains in the UK in just over 21 hours.

Natalie Crompton, 31, of Kearsley and Kristin Greenhalgh, 31, of Farnworth, completed the National Three Peaks Challenge, which involves climbing the highest peaks of Scotland, England and Wales, within a 24-hour period.

Miss Crompton and Miss Greenhalgh started with Ben Nevis in Scotland, before driving down to Scafell Pike in the Lake District and ending at Snowdon in Wales.

The total walking distance is 23 miles and the total ascent is 10,052ft. The challenge also involves 462 miles of driving between the peaks.

People usually complete the challenge as part of a professionally organised event or in big groups but the friends decided to go it alone to prove to people what can be possible.

Miss Crompton said: “Whilst most people were in a beer garden or at some music festival somewhere during bank holiday weekend, we decided to do the challenge, not part of any group - just us.

“The target is within 24 hours but we smashed it within 21 and half hours, on no sleep. Both of us had to climb one of the mountains in the pitch black, on our own.

“We’re really proud of it and we wanted to raise awareness of mental health, the importance of knowing your triggers and doing more of what makes you happy.

“It wasn’t easy, it was absolutely solid but we wanted to prove to those struggling with their mental health that with the correct during mindset, focus and resilience - you can absolutely achieve anything.

“Mental health is a big issue and people should feel okay to talk about it openly. I want to do as much as possible to help people struggling and we’re planning on doing Kilimanjaro next year to raise more money.”

As The Bolton News went to print, the friends had raised £1,397.86 for the Mental Health Foundation. To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/natalie-crompton3.