A charity headquartered in Macclesfield has generated an astronomical amount towards their operation, after a gruelling outdoor fundraiser.

Smile Group, a Macclesfield-founded charity which provides perinatal mental health support sessions for new parents in Cheshire East, was established in 2011.

And on the weekend of October 11, supporters of the charity went on a UK Three Peaks adventure, to raise money for the good cause.

The Three Peaks Challenge incorporates the three highest mountains of Scotland - Ben Nevis at 1345m, England - Scafell at 978m and Wales - Yr Wydffa (Snowdon) at 1085m.

The charity is currently struggling to offer a full service, due to funding challenges, currently serving a reduced rota of four Cheshire East towns. (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

And a Smile Group trio has completed the challenge, part of a group fundraising almost £9000 for charity.

Victoria Markham-Bean, Caroline Staton and Sarah McTavish scaled a total height of 3408metres, across the Welsh, English and Scottish peaks, all completed within the course of a weekend.

Caroline Staton, Wellbeing Practitioner at Smile Group said: "The challenge was a real test of endurance, both physically and mentally. We battled through snow to to to 1,200m ascension of Ben Nevis (the summit is 1,345m) but in the interests of safety, we had to turn back. 

"It was an early start up Scafell Pike, setting off as the sun rose, our legs already tired as we embarked on the 1,085m ascent. The views from the top were incredible! Climbing Snowden in the dark was an exhilarating adventure. We came to Llanberis Path, which is the longest route - and boy did it feel long!

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"The last stretch of our challenge involved walking 7km in the dark and we were really glad to return to the minibus at around 2am, finally getting back to Crewe at 5am."

It was a pretty gruelling challenge to complete the Three Peaks over the course of a weekend, but the team were all in good spirits.

As an experience it pushed them physically and mentally, rounding off with navigating Snowdon by torchlight - no mean feat after climbing Ben Nevis and Scafell with aching limbs and some difficult weather conditions.

So far, they have collectively raised an incredible £8,735 to support Smile's blend of four peer support groups (in Macclesfield, Congleton, Sandbach & Crewe), their 1-1 talk therapy, home visits and monthly family sessions.

Their Macclesfield support sessions take place at the Ash Grove Family Hub. (Image - Smile Group Macclesfield)

The totals are still going up. And you can still donate via THIS LINK.

Macclesfield resident Natalie Nuttall is co-founder of Smile Group.

"What an immense achievement all round and an amazing amount raised to support the delivery of Smile's blend of services," she said.

"We're so grateful to this intrepid team of walkers who really put themselves through the mill to complete this gruelling challenge. It's really helped to raise awareness of Smile's work to support perinatal mental health needs across Cheshire East." 

Once again, you can donate on THIS LINK.