Thirteen volunteers have taken up a challenge to walk three of Britain’s most imposing ridges. The volunteers have signed up to tackle the Three Ridge Charity Challenge from either 1st to 5th or 9th to 13th April 2012 and will raise money for Ardwhallan Outdoor Education Centre, West Baldwin. The group includes Jo Chapman, 24, an administrator, Paul Skillan, 35, a personal training instructor at the prison, Dexter Heath, 52, a decorator, Ben Kelly, 29, an administrator, Alex Wilson, 22, a fundraiser, Kezia Lightfoot, 22, who is in marketing, Alan McNair, 25, who is a teacher, Lucy Connors, 19, a student, Rachel Kelly, 21, an administrator, Brandon Ellis, 47, a civil servant, Gareth Hinge, 46, an education support officer, Josh Rowlands, a volunteer, and Stephen Morris, 31, a student and office administrator whose employer, Ridgeway Gas Services, has kindly sponsored him. Both Josh and Lucy are trainee instructors at Ardwhallan. The hardy group will scale Crib Goch in Snowdonia National Park, Wales, Striding Edge in the Lake District, England, and Aonach Eagach Ridge in Glen Coe, Scotland. They have pledged to raise a minimum of ?500 each, which will be ploughed back into Ardwhallan, a registered charity dedicated to helping young people seek adventure. The money raised will allow young people to benefit from similar off-Island challenges. Paul Melling, Head of Adventure Education with the DEC, said: ‘The challenge will take place over three days, with us aiming to complete a ridge each day and travelling between the regions in the evening. A good level of fitness, a sense of adventure and a head for heights are a must for this.’ Paul said the challenge would test teamwork and individual responses to tough situations. Jenny Lantry, Outdoor Education Worker with the DEC, said: ‘The ridges we will be attempting are some of the most famous routes in the UK and will involve scrambling over rocky, exposed sections. This is an excellent opportunity for participants to tackle these technical ridges with the guidance and support of qualified and experienced mountain leaders.’ For anyone interested in getting involved in this amazing adventure, there are still some spaces on the second trip. For more information get in touch with Jenny on 375213 or by e-mail j.lantry@doe.sch.im Ends