FRIENDS who took on an incredible cycling and climbing challenged raised a toast at the finish line in memory of a pal who inspired them.

Ian Hampton, of Portland Crescent, Dovercourt and Gary Stapleton, of The Street, Ramsey took on the Three Peaks Challenge of scaling Snowdon in Wales, Scaffell Pike in the Lake District and Ben Nevis in Scotland but also cycled the 450 miles in between.

The hardy duo were raising money for The Brain Tumour Charity in honour of pal Steve Bright who died in July 2011 after a two-year battle with an inoperable glioma.

After reaching the top of Ben Nevis on Tuesday, Ian and Gary celebrated with a gin and tonic because it was Steve’s favourite tipple.

Ian said: “It was hard getting up in the morning after doing 100 miles on the bike.

“From the training we both knew we could do 100 miles but we didn’t prepare for doing it all again the next day or do any practice walking up mountains.

“There is nothing which can prepare you for some of the hills but it does make you realise how beautiful parts of our country is and that took some of the pain away.

“Steve would have been absolutely chuffed. Gin and tonic was his favourite drink so we thought it would be appropriate.”

More than £3,500 has been raised for charity but it is still possible to make last minute donations at justgiving.com/Ian-heed