Electrician downs tools for Three Peak challenge

Akhtar Ali, who owns Short Circuit Auto Electrical Services in Batley will take on the gruelling challenge across the Dales, which covers Whernside, Ingleborough and Pen-y-ghent.

He was inspired to take on the hike in memory of his dad, Bostan, who died from lung cancer in 2003.

Akhtar, 37, said: “My dad got very sick and spent around three weeks at Kirkwood Hospice.

“The staff were great and seeing what they go through to help people, it has always been on my mind to do something.

“It is their understanding about what people are going through and that means so much to someone who does not have long left to live.”

Akhtar will be joined by his business partner, Hitesh Patel, for the 23-mile trek on Saturday.

Akhtar said: “We are really looking forward to the challenge. Both of us have been running around four or five nights a week to try and get our fitness up.

“We have been doing a bit of running, jogging and walking. We have done anything to run off those donner kebabs!”

The business partners are hoping to raise more than £1,000, which will be donated to the hospice.

Akhtar is also inviting anyone who wants to take on the challenge to join the pair this weekend.

To sponsor Akhtar and Hitesh, visit www.justgiving.com/ali-akhtar or call 07973 506635.