A SOUTHAMPTON woman will be taking on the Three Peaks Challenge this month, in support of her grandmother, who has a serious neurological condition.

Lucy Edwards will be taking on the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge on Saturday, 13 April.

She will be joined by 14 members of her family, including her grandad Graham, and the team will be raising money for charities Parkinson’s UK and PSP Association.

22-year-old Lucy’s grandmother, Maureen, has Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), a brain condition that causes serious problems with mobility, speech and swallowing, which are very similar symptoms to Parkinson’s. Maureen was originally diagnosed with Parkinson’s for three years before eventually being re-diagnosed with PSP.

The Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge consists of 24.5 miles and involves climbing three of the tallest peaks in the Yorkshire Dales. Lucy and her family are aiming to raise £5,000 which will be split between the two charities.

Lucy said: “My granny’s condition has declined and has stolen her ability to do simple everyday tasks. She’s now wheelchair bound and needs 24/7 care from my grandad. Despite all this my granny has never complained or said that life is unfair, she’s the most positive person you will ever meet and I love her for that.

“I can’t wait for my family to take on this challenge all together and raise money for such fantastic causes. Our family live all over the country, so it’s brilliant to come together for a weekend to remember. This is the perfect event we could do for my granny – she used to be a very keen walker and she and my grandad would take on walking challenges together all over the country. She also loves Yorkshire so there was no other option than the Yorkshire Three Peaks for our challenge!

“I decided to organise the event as I’d do anything to help find a cure and reverse the effects of my granny’s condition. I’d do 100 Three Peak challenges if I had to.”

* Parkinson's UK is the leading charity driving better care, treatments and quality of life for those with the condition. The money raised will support it in its mission is to find a cure and improve life for everyone affected by Parkinson's through cutting edge research, information, support and campaigning.

PSP Association is a national charity providing support and information to people living with PSP and CBD (Corticobasal degeneration), while funding research into treatments and ultimately a cure.

To donate to Lucy and her family’s challenge please visit: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Team/MaureenEdwardsYorkshire3Peaks