NIECE Joanne Atkinson's recovery from cancer was the summit of her Uncle Barry's hopes.

Just to prove it, her 58-year-old relative is going to climb Britain's three highest peaks - at a run.

Grandfather Barry Warrington from Marton, near Middlesbrough, plans to conquer Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon in 24 hours, beginning on July 9.

"I'm an experienced fell runner. This will be a major challenge, but I feel confident that I'll be able to do it,'' said management consultant Mr Warrington, who will start with Ben Nevis, in Scotland, then Scafell Pike in the English Lake District, finishing on Snowdon, Wales.

He explained: "When somebody close to you is affected by cancer it really brings home to you the importance of research."

By way of a thank you for his niece's recovery from breast cancer, Mr Warrington is hoping to raise as much money as he can for Cancer Research UK by making his three peaks run a sponsored dash.

Mrs Atkinson, a 37-year-old mother of three from Hartlepool, said: "Barry set himself a really big challenge, but it's a great idea and we're proud of him. I hope lots of people support his fundraising efforts."

Joanne was 36 when she discovered a lump in her breast and went to her doctor for a precautionary checkup. Tests later revealed she not only had cancer, but that it had spread to her lymph nodes.

She underwent surgery, followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy and now visits the hospital for checkups.

Anyone wanting to sponsor Mr Warrington should visit his website www.justgiving.com/highestmountains