A BUSINESSMAN is taking on a daunting new challenge in a bid to raise money for a cause close to his heart.

Francis Jones, owner of Sparta Security – a Darlington-based private security firm is braving the national 3 Peak Challenge - but that alone would be too easy for Mr Jones.

Instead he's chosen to tackle the mammoth walking challenge in only 24-hours starting on Saturday June 20 to June 21.

"It's going to be hard work, I'm under no illusion about that," said Mr Jones. "I get out of breath walking around a golf course.

"I'm used to just business day in, day out, so this is something entirely different."

With the security industry booming during lockdown, as companies closed their doors for months, Mr Jones hasn't had the time to train as much as he'd hoped, but he still feels optimistic about the task ahead.

The group will be using a campervan to get around the different mountains which include Scotland’s Ben Nevis, England’s Scafell Pike and Wales’ Snowdon.

"I promise I'll complete it," he said, "I'm completing the challenge with two Sparta Security team members, both of whom are mountaineers so I'm in good hands and they'll be lots of motivation."

Mr Jones decided to brave the 3 Peak Challenge to raise money for the County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust Charity through donations.

His own mother passed away from cancer 10 years ago, which makes the cause all the more important to him.

"Everyone knows someone who is a victim of this disease," said Mr Jones. "I knew that I wanted to do something to help fund research for a cure, but I wanted to do that in a way which was unique and different, as well as exciting for myself.

"This is just something I can do to make a difference and potentially help save someone else from loosing a loved one.

"Taking on the 3 Peaks alone would be extremely physically demanding, never mind in 24 hours, but it'll be a very rewarding experience and something to get my teeth into."

Mr Jones has set up a JustGiving page to help him reach his target of £2,500 in funds. So far he has raised £250.

"We've just gone through a national crisis, and people are struggling financially so it is a hard time to ask for donations, but I'm hoping we might raise a bit more at the final hurdle," said Mr Jones.

To donate visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/francis-jones4