Twins Luke and Martha Cruickshank have celebrated their 11^th birthdays in unique style – by virtually scaling Britain’s highest mountain in aid of the East and North Hertfordshire Hospitals’ Charity.

As part of their Virtual Ben Nevis Trek the pair climbed the stairs of their Hitchin home 52 times a day for 30 days.

They finally reached their 22,000-step summit on Wednesday 19 May – their birthday.

Luke and Martha devised their fundraising challenge as their parents both work for the NHS – dad Alastair is a GP while mum Sandra is Lead Chronic Kidney Disease Clinical Nurse Specialist at the Lister.

They were raising funds in memory of their grandad Eric, who passed away in April and had been helped so much by the NHS over his life. 

Their efforts have so far raised more than £3,000.

Mum Sandra said: “We are incredibly proud of Luke and Martha. This was all their own idea, they calculated the steps and set up their JustGiving page, as they wanted to raise money for the hospital charity whilst in lockdown.

“We have been so impressed with their perseverance and commitment over the 30 days. They are beyond delighted with how much they have raised, considering their target was £1,100!” 

Claire Adams, community fundraiser at our charity, said: “Luke and Martha’s fundraising efforts have been incredible and we are thrilled they’ve managed to raise so much.

“The money they’ve raised is going to make a big difference across our four hospital sites.”

PHOTO: Luke and Martha Cruickshank climbed the height of Ben Nevis via the stairs at their home

You can still contribute to Luke and Martha's Ben Nevis challenge

• To donate visit their JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/luke-martha-cruickshank