A group of medical students have scaled the highest mountains in England, Scotland and Wales in just over 24 hours to raise funds for two charities.

The group of 23 students from the Tingewick Society at Oxford University's Medical School took on the three peaks challenge in support of Oxford Hospitals Charity and Restore.

They walked more than 26 miles and climbed approximately 3,000 meters in just over one day.

Oxford Mail: The group completed the challenge in just over 24 hoursThe group completed the challenge in just over 24 hours (Image: Oxford Hospitals Charity)

The students, all in their fourth year of study, train at John Radcliffe and other hospitals across Oxford University Hospitals.

Every year they set a target to raise around £30,000 for charity.

Medical student Athena Henderson said: “We started in Scotland with Ben Nevis, a hefty ascent of 1345m; trudged through the snow and managed to make it to the top to be graced with the best April weather Scotland has ever seen.

“Next was Scafell Pike – which is 978m. This was a real challenge, as we had to start the ascent at 5am in the dark, scrabbling up scree and facing some proper mountaineering.

“Finally we faced the 1085 meters of Snowdon - by this stage we were exhausted, blistered and bruised.

“We enjoyed the initial leisurely walk up the miners track, however, the last 2km was a real test of our resolve. And when we made it to the top there were tears of relief shed."

She continued: “This was a truly gruelling challenge and a test of our positivity, fitness and team work.

"So we are delighted to have completed it and overjoyed to have raised over £5,000 for our amazing charities.”

Sarah Vaccari from Oxford Hospitals Charity said: “The boundless enthusiasm of the Tingewick medical students always blows us away.

“Athena’s account of the three peaks challenge shows just how much effort and energy goes into their fundraising, which helps our charity fund specialist medical equipment and create more welcoming and comfortable spaces for our patients."

Matt Jerwood, head of fundraising and communications at Restore, added: "The support of the Tingewick Society is incredible and will make such a difference in supporting better mental health in Oxfordshire.

"One in four people could experience mental ill health in their lifetime, so every step taken and every pound raised is important.

"Each year Restore supports over 500 people towards recovery, with around 40 per cent of people coached into employment, and over 85 per cent feeling well supported.

"The mountainous efforts of the Tingewick Society will help Restore to continue to help hundreds of individuals across the county."