A GROUP of five women, including four from Redditch, have scaled Mount Snowden in aid of two worthy causes.

On Sunday, November 24, Kerry Deavs, Rebecca Turner, Natalie Martin, Lilly Mattimoe and Rhian Daniell climbed the mountain to raise money and awareness for Breakthrough Breast Cancer and Arthritis Research UK.

Mrs Martin, from Redditch, said: "We really enjoyed the whole experience and the mountain was beautiful. Temperatures were freezing but we soon warmed up while climbing.

"As a group we are very passionate about both charities. 50,000 women and 400 men are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. Breakthrough Breast Cancer works towards finding new treatments and cures to help eradicate the disease. More women than ever in the UK are surviving breast cancer thanks to better awareness, treatments and screening. However, 1,000 women in the UK are still dying from the disease every month. My nan and mother are both survivors of breast cancer. This is due to the on-going research that this charity helps to prosvide.

"Arthritis Research UK fund world class research to improve the lives of millions. By supporting this research, we are working towards many people living a pain free life, helping to keep the UK active. We raised £885 climbing Snowdon. We won't stop there."

Following the climb, on Saturday, November 30, a Christmas fair was held at Mappleborough Green Village Hall to raise further funds for cancer charities Supporting Breakthrough Breast Cancer and The Christie Charitable Fund.

Mrs Martin said £562 was raised at this event and by March next year, she hopes to have raised a total of £5,000 for charities close to her heart.

Mrs Martin has recently been named Mrs Worcestershire Galaxy and will go on to compete in the Mrs United Kingdom finals in March 2014. If she wins, she will then represent the United Kingdom in America.

On Saturday, February 8, she will also be presenting DreamStreet's Miss Worcestershire competition, an annual model search and catwalk show. Every penny raised from the event will be donated to Breakthrough Breast Cancer and Arthritis Research UK. For further information on how to get involved, with this event, email Worcestershireheat@gmail.com.

Mrs Martin added: "Taking part in these events will give us further opportunities to raise vital funds and awareness for the charities we are so passionate about."