A PAIR of army medics attempted to set a new world record when they took on the Three Peaks Challenge.

Darlington-based Lance Corporal Ross Titcombe joined forces with fellow Lance Corporal James Irving to climb the mountains whilst also cycling between Ben Nevis in Scotland, Scafell Pike in England and Snowdon in Wales.

The pair, who narrowly missed out on the world record but still managed to complete the challenge in 46 hrs 58 mins, raised £4,000 for the BLESMA charity that helps limbless veterans still suffering the mental and physical injuries.

Lance Corporal Titcombe, based at the Defence School of Transport in Leconfield near Hull, said: “I just want to say how overwhelmed I am from all the messages. A big thank you to Barry Titcombe for £300 to the cause, and a huge thank you to my mum Sharon Winfield who has put everyone from the challenge up in a hotel, including food and drinks, and for Avery for doubling the amount raised. Wow – emotionally, physically and mentally drained, but I have some awesome people in my life.”

During the challenge they successfully climbed 3,500 metres, cycled 483 miles, burnt 32,000 calories each.