London marathon first-timer a year ago, Mark Snowden has set himself new sponsorship heights - climbing Britain's highest peak for a hospital charity.

The 40-year-old nursing auxiliary from Utley plans a hike up Ben Nevis with colleagues to raise money for Airedale hospital's ward three.

Father-of-three Mark's expl-oits in last year's London marathon - where he struggled on for five hours with a twisted ankle - raised more than £2,600. It enabled the Trust to buy a Dynamap machine which helps patients' blood pressure and temperatures.

This latest challenge to conquer the 4,406-ft mountain comes on Sunday, May 17, and came about after Mark talked with two domestics at the hospital, Cath Matthews and Sheila Rudd, who are both committed fell-walkers.

"It's difficult thinking of ways to raise money," says Mark, who is appealing for anyone to sponsor him by ringing him on 609716.

The 12-strong group - all from the hospital and including one of the doctors - will camp overnight at the foot of the mountain before making the Sunday assault.

For Mark it will be his first attempt on the Ben. "We could experience any type of weather including snow, rain and strong winds," he says. "Conditions can change rapidly and it can also get very cold."

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