CASTERTON School ‘old girls’ braved gale-force winds and sideways rain to help an old school friend who is battling cancer.

Remembered as Katie Coon by her 1980s’ classmates, Kate Fisher, 43, of Cocker-mouth, has three young children.

She has been fighting cancer for 18 years and was diagnosed with multiple brain tumours at Christmas.

To raise money for complementary treatments, a large party of Kate’s old Casterton pals, together with their partners, friends and Kate’s relatives, completed a three peaks and three lakes walk in the Lake District – with a family friendly version for smaller children.

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Day one took them from Honister Pass over three fells to Loweswater, while the second day’s route was from Loweswater back to Honister, ending at Buttermere in pouring rain.

One of the organisers, Kirsten von Pfetten, said: “The wind blew and blasted us with rain but it didn’t dampen our spirits.

“Luckily there were no accidents – only stiff legs and sore feet.”

Calling themselves Casterton Old Girls in Action, the friends have so far raised more than £7,300.

Kirsten said: “Being away at school created a strong bond between friends, so when Kate was diagnosed with brain tumours after battling cancer for a number of years, we had to do something.

“I had been thinking about doing something to help her for a long time – and decided now was the time.

“Our school motto was ‘One Heart One Way’ and somehow I knew I could call on the others for help.

“A lot of girls couldn’t take part in the walk but have supported us by donating.”

To find out more and to donate, see www.youcaring. com/katefisher.