SHE walked more than 57,000 steps, covering 26 miles over three of Yorkshire’s biggest hills.

But it was a journey worth every footstep as Burley-in-Wharfedale’s Fiona Lumb helped raise more than £1,500 for a children’s charity.

Fiona, marketing and communications manager at Leeds-based investment management and stockbroking firm Redmayne-Bentley, climbed the equivalent of 570 storeys as she took Yorkshire’s Three Peaks challenge on Sunday, July 2.

She was one of four people from the firm’s team, which also included marketing executive Brogan Hirst, finance manager Simon Milestone and anti-money laundering coordinator Epo Li. They were raising money for Candlelighters, a charity providing care for children in Yorkshire being treated for cancer, as well as helping support their families. Candlelighters is the firm’s Leeds branch chosen charity for 2017.

Fiona said: “We were up around 4am and in a field eating bacon butties just after 6am and then at 7am the walk began!

“It’s certainly a walk not to be underestimated; the walk was very tough. Even the downhill was very tricky in places. I was on my hands and knees a few times on both the ascents and descents.

“Between the four of us we’ve raised over £1,500, possibly over £2,000 – I’m proud of that but I’m really proud that we all completed that gruelling challenge.”

It is not the first physical challenge Fiona has taken this year, having been part of a team of six from the firm tackling the 5km Gung Ho! Obstacle course in Temple Newsam, Leeds, earlier this year.

Staff have taken part in other fundraising activities throughout the year, including bake-offs and dress down days. A sweepstake was held, inviting people to guess the number of steps taken by the team of four when they walked the Three Peaks. The quartet walked 242,304 steps in total, including Fiona’s own individual total of 57,539.

The challenge was among many in Candlelighters’ fundraising event calendar for 2017.

Fiona said: “Thanks go to the support provided by Brian, Paul and everyone from Candlelighters, our walk guides from Discover Adventure, everyone who’s offered words of support, encouragement and advice, and everyone who’s made a donation and taken part in the sweepstake.”

If you would like to continue to support the team visit https://www.justgiving.com/fiona-lumb or www.justgiving.com/fundraising/redmaynebentley