'Incredible' end to nine peaks cancer challenge

Libby's uncle Jonathan Gatt was among nine people who completed the challenge

Friends and family of a young woman with cancer have raised thousands of pounds for her treatment by scaling nine of the UK's highest peaks in just four days.

Libby Dodes was diagnosed with a rare form of ovarian cancer by chance after being thrown off her horse.

The 23-year-old, from Derby, has already started chemotherapy on the NHS, but friends and family are raising funds for her to have immunotherapy.

Nine of them completed what they called the Nine-Peak Challenge, including her uncle Jonathan Gatt.

"It turned out to be a much bigger challenge than we thought but it was successful and we all reached the finish line in four days as planned," said Mr Gatt.

The challenge began on 5 September, when the walkers completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks.

They then completed the National Three Peaks Challenge on 6 and 7 September, which involved climbing the three highest peaks of Scotland, England and Wales.

They finished the challenge in Derbyshire on Sunday, when they climbed the county's three highest peaks.

The group faced drizzly weather and poor visibility as they hiked up to Kinder Scout

Mr Gatt said between 40 and 50 people took part in the final hike up to Kinder Scout - including Libby's parents and people they had never even met before.

"People contacted myself and other people through our Instagram page and they said, 'Do you mind if we join you? It looks like a great cause'," he said.

"It was incredible. We were so tired at that point and to see the amount of people that turned up to walk with us was phenomenal."

Another 20 people turned out to see the group cross the finish line.

"It was just overwhelming, it was just incredible; great turnout and support for Libby, and Libby was there at the finish line which made it even more special," said Mr Gatt.

Libby came to see the nine walkers and their two drivers as they completed the challenge

More than £100,000 had already been raised towards Libby's treatment before the challenge started.

This will pay for one round of immunotherapy, but her friends and family are aiming to raise £300,000.

The target for the Nine-Peak Challenge was £10,000 but it has already raised £13,500 so far.

"With money that people have pledged we're going to be close to £17,000 because it seems to be getting more traction," said Mr Gatt.

"We keep getting messages saying what a great challenge it's been and people are just sharing the story, it's been incredible."