A BRADFORD on Avon horse riding instructor is planning to complete the Three Peaks Challenge in under 40 hours to raise funds for the Riding for Disabled Association.

Jo Rutherford, who volunteers at the RDA’s Saxon Group on the Trowbridge Road at Widbrook, plans to climb the three highest mountains in Britain.

The challenge will involve driving 461 miles, walking 25.5 miles and climbing a total of 10,958 feet up Ben Nevis in Scotland, Scafell Pike in England and Snowdon in Wales.

She said: “The normal National 3 Peaks Challenge involves climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon in under 24 hours. However, I will be doing the driving well as the climbing so have increased the time limit to 40 hours.”

“We will climb Ben Nevis on September 5 and drive to Wasdale Head where we will camp overnight. On September 6 we will climb Scafell Pike and then drive to Llanberis and climb Snowdon.”

Jo will be accompanied on the challenge by her daughter, Holly Rutherford. Riding for the Disabled teaches children and adults with disabilities how to ride a horse.

Four members of the Saxon Group have just picked up awards at last month’s RDA national championships in Gloucestershire.

Jo’s target is to raise £1,000 and so far she has gained just over £179 in sponsorship and donations. She is raising the money to buy a new mounting block plus a special sheepskin saddle for the group’s riders.

If you wish to sponsor Jo, please go to: http://mydonate.bt.com/events/saxon3peakschallenge/445488