A TEAM of intrepid care home staff climbed 4,000 feet to the summit of Scotland’s highest peak for charity.

Nurses Trina Crozier, 62, Norelle Cottee, 56, and carers Sharon Alston, 42, and Maggie Borley, 56, from Colchester, all work at the Alderwood Care Home in Essex Hall Road.

Led by Mrs Crozier’s ex-Army husband, Len, 63, the foursome tackled Ben Nevis and raised £1,500 for charity Help for Heroes.

With more than 15 years spent in the Army’s Royal Artillery, Len was more than equipped for the challenge.

However, it took the ladies around 10 hours to conquer the summit.

Halstead Gazette:

Grandmother-of-three Mrs Borley felt a sense of personal achievement once she reached the mountain peak. She said: “I’ve never climbed a mountain before so it was a personal challenge.

“I was up and down North Hill and Castle Park so many times to train that the shop owners looked at me thinking I was barmy.

“We had the best weather and the views were indescribable.

“We were all sore and aching but still smiling. Together we’re very proud of what we’ve done.”

It was also Mrs Alston’s first time and she described it as one of the hardest things she has ever had to prepare for.

She said: “I wasn’t the fittest person and never would have dreamed of walking anywhere much – let alone 4,000 feet up a mountain.

“My aim through this was to lose weight and get healthy but for such an amazing charity.

“I have lost over a stone in weight and feel much more energetic.”

Carole Groves of Help the Heroes thanked the team.

Visit www.justgiving.com/AlderwoodCareHome-COTY-1336 to donate.