A MAN from a Birkenhead-based firm has raised more than £500 for victims of Asbestos by completing the Three Peaks Challenge.

David Alison, 28 who works for Your Legal Friend, completed the gruelling task with three friends; James, Liam and Richie Pilkington in 21 hours 30 minutes.

In total the four men raised £525, and will be donating it to Merseyside Asbestos Victims Support Group in memory of George Neild, James and Liam’s father, who passed away two years ago to mesothelioma, a rare form of terminal cancer caused by exposure to asbestos whilst working in the building trade.

He worked with asbestos material at the age of 21 and it lay dormant for over forty years before symptoms appeared.

David said: “It was a really tough challenge but we wanted to do something to raise funds for the charity that did so much for my fiancée’s father, George.

“I have seen the terrible effects that asbestos can have on those who have been exposed to it, in both my personal and professional life, so it’s a cause that’s close to my heart.

“The weather wasn’t very kind to us throughout the day. I ruptured my Achilles heel during the descent on Snowdon but it was worth it due to the amount we raised and we’re thankful to our friends and family for their support.”

David’s colleagues also recently raised more than £1,000 for Mesothelioma UK, a charity for victims of asbestos related disease by holding a ‘British Bake Off’ inspired competition and raffle.

Tracey Graham, director for industrial disease at the law firm, added: “We see so many tragic cases of asbestos-related disease, often building up a personal rapport with clients and their families.

“This is our way of showing our support to them and those charities that provide invaluable care.

“We back both local and national charities and we’re extremely proud of the team’s fundraising efforts, particularly those of David and his group who took on the Three Peaks Challenge.”

If you would like to make a donation to David, James, Liam and Richie’s JustGiving page for Merseyside Asbestos Victims Support Group, visit www. crowdfunding.justgiving.com/George-MAVSG-ThreePeak