TWO brave women were out in the heart of the Lake District for more than 24 hours battling against horrendous weather conditions in a bid to raise vital funds for a Cumbrian charity.

Mhairi Helme, of Kendal, and close friend Jasmin Paris, who smashed the 200-mile Montane Spine Race record by 12 hours earlier this year, attempted to complete Ken Wilson’s gruelling Classic Rock challenge in under 24 hours.

The challenge consists of combining 15 classic Lakeland rock routes, which includes Tophet Wall, Needle Ridge and Bowfell Buttress, while running as fast as they can in between each climb. This adds up to 30 miles in total with more than 4,000 metres of ascent.

The pair set off late on Saturday in the hope of raising money for recently formed family and children’s charity, Outside-In.

Outside-In is in the process of establishing a new indoor play area for the South Lakes. It will be based on Beezon Road, in Kendal and should hopefully be open to the public by the end of the year.

Mrs Helme, who runs for Helme Hill, said a “massive thanks” was in order to everyone who supported her.

“It has been one of the best adventures I’ve ever had,” she said.

“For me the loveliest part of the day was all of these amazing people coming out to support me, the challenge and the charity.

“I’m a very lucky lady to have had such an amazing team to get me round such a great day.”

Despite having to climb through wet and slippery conditions this did not dampen their mood or determination to try to complete the route, a challenge Mrs Helme had dreamed of accomplishing for many years.

Having been up for more than 30 hours it was when they were on their 11th climbing route that the weather forced their hand to abandon the course.

“We had started climbing up Troutdale but it was just too slippery,” said Mrs Helme. “So we went back to the car to wait for light and see if the rain might stop so we could go back up and try again. But it only got worse and we finally realised the weather had us beat.

“We managed 30 miles, 11 of the 15 routes all in differing stages of wetness and 34 hours on the go.

“I will definitely try again, but perhaps in the dry next time.”

To donate and help Outside-In achieve its goal go on: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/outside-in-mhairi-and-jasmin-classic-rock-challenge.