Hospital staff took on the UK’s three highest peaks in a bid to raise money for their critical care unit.

A team of 29 climbers from Epsom and St Helier hospitals scaled Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Mount Snowdon in less than 48 hours at the weekend.

LAST WEEK: Epsom and St Helier hospitals staff to climb UK's three highest peaks to raise £50,000 for care unit

The group, containing both experienced mountaineers and novices, have already clocked up more than £4,000 of their £50,000 target.

The to pay for a machine that would allow speech therapists at the hospitals to assess critical patients’ swallowing in greater detail.

Your Local Guardian:

Some of the team while climbing Ben Nevis

Natalie Gardner, physiotherapist at St Helier Hospital, said: "Everyone fought their own personal battles, and to see everyone smiling despite the pain, cold, rain, lack of food, and lack of sleep, made me so proud to be part of this team.

“I think it sums up what being an NHS worker is all about; despite the harsh reality of what we do, the long hours and difficult working conditions, we push through and do our best, always with a smile on our face because we know we are working for something bigger than each of us individually."

Your Local Guardian:

The team on their way to tackle the last leg of the climbs - Snowdon

Another team member, Michelle Corin, a speech and Language therapist, explained why the equipment the fundraisers are gunning for is so vital to the acutely unwell.

She said: “Like breathing, swallowing is essential to life.

“Many people experience dysphagia after a serious event such as a stroke or critical illness, as part of a progressive disease such as Parkinson’s or Motor Neurone Disease, or simply as part of getting older.

“Dysphagia affects a person’s ability to safely swallow drinks, food, medication and even their own saliva.

“Dysphagia can be life threatening and often has a devastating impact on quality of life but despite this, it remains a ‘hidden’ disability.”

The team were picked up by coach on Friday evening at St Helier Hospital and drove to Scotland for their first climb on Saturday morning.