Three friends have raised about £1,500 after taking on their island-based alternative to the Three Peaks Challenge in the UK.

Andrew Bridson and Aaron Grist of Douglas and Kevin Whittaker of Ballasalla, trekked about 40 miles from the north towards the south of the island over a day to raise funds towards Hospice Isle of Man.

The walking challenge was not what the men had originally intended, as they had their sights set on scaling the three highest peaks of Scotland, England and Wales, within 24 hours.

They decided to continue raising donations by walking part of the Raad ny Foillan coastal path from the Point of Ayre to the Sound Cafe.

’The trek was great,’ said Andrew. ’We had sand in our shoes and the road walking brought upon some blisters in the end, but we managed to get to 13 hours and 30 minutes of walking.

’We struggled when it came to Niarbyl. We scaled up to the top of Cronk Ny Arrey Laa and at that point the rain came in.

’The weather was not on our side and we struggled to get to the top with the harsh wind against us too.’

The men decided to call it a day at 10pm as conditions were getting worse.

Andrew added: ’Let’s just say we underestimated it. I’m normally a hiker. I can do mountains better, so it was a tough one.’

The charity was chosen as members of Andrew’s family and friends have previously received care at the hospice.

’You see how well they are treated in there and you see where the money goes towards. You understand the hard work they go through and I will always support them,’ he said.

Andrew has carried out a number of initiatives in support of Hospice, including trekking in Nepal with Aaron.

He called the public support ’amazing’ as people congratulated them during their trek. They also surpassed their target amount, which is matched by Aaron’s company.

Search: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/islandendschallenge