STUDENTS have set themselves the uphill task of scaling the highest peaks in England, Scotland and Wales for two friends who took their own lives.

Jenny Hunt and Arthur Tolley committed suicide and now their close friends have banded together to walk up the mountains to raise money for charity PAPYRUS (Prevention of Young Suicide).

More than £1,000 has already been raised.

Jenny Hunt was 25 when she took her own life last April. The former Whitby High School pupil lived and grew up in Ellesmere Port.

Former Catholic High School student Arthur Tolley hanged himself on April 19, 2010.

Jenny’s friend Hayley Young said: “We thought a big challenge like this would show our passion, commitment and drive towards not only the charity but also keeping memories of our friends alive.

“The Three Peaks is going to be a fantastic opportunity for friends of both Jenny and Arthur to come together and have fun during training sessions, sharing memories of our friends and supporting each other.

“To have two people you know who have ended their lives at a young age is so tragic. We all want to be part of the solution to change that.

“We also want to support a charity that helps families and friends who are in a similar situation as we have been in. Dealing with the aftermath of suicide is hard as it can bring up feelings of shock, guilt and heartache. The work PAPYRUS do to support families and friends who have lost loved ones through suicide is fantastic.”

A charity night at the Shell Social Club in Ellesmere Port on June 14 will feature music, food, games and auctions.

A host of other fundraising activities have taken place or are planned including pub crawls, bag packing, and a bikini car wash.

The rest of the team comprises Jenny’s friends Holly Wright, and her boyfriend Lance Corporal Gary Minshull, currently serving in Afghan istan, Amanda Catchpole, her sister Nicola Catchpole, Jenny Lancaster, Kaminni Lad, and Michelle Stevenson. It will also include Arthur’s friends Jason Dogget, Matty Fagan, Kirsty Brewer, Christos Griggas, Ricky Bailey and Hayley Young.

YOU can sponsor the team’s efforts online at: www.justgiving.com/teams/3peaksPAPYRUS.