A DERWENTSIDE man experienced the high life recently when he took on the challenge of the Three Peaks to raise money for the Great North Millennium Transplant Games.

Keith Harper, 54, of Burnopfield, a seasoned climber and walker, raised £1,000 for the Asda-sponsored games after talking to a friend whose wife had undergone a transplant operation.

It took Keith just over 22 hours to complete the Three Peaks, consisting of Ben Nevis, Snowdon and Scafell Pike.

Keith was backed by his wife, Carol, who did all the driving, and a friend, who climbed Snowdon with him.

He said: "I was just delighted to be able to support the transplant games in this way."

More than 200 children will be taking part in the games, also sponsored by The Northern Echo, which start on Thursday, July 27.

All the athletes have had a major organ or bone marrow transplants.