A mass mountain expedition has raised £8,000 for a Hampshire charity.

Donations are still coming in for the 50 intrepid fundraisers who battled their way to the top of Mount Snowdon to raise cash for Eastleigh-based Sophie’s Appeal.

The charity, which looks after the social, emotional and educational welfare of child cancer patients and their families, was set up in memory of Sophie Barringer, who died, aged just six, of kidney cancer.

This money will help pay for respite care, holidays for terminally ill children and ongoing projects.

Daily Echo reporter Simon Carr trudged up the mountain to follow the group’s progress.

‘Heart-warming’ Charity founder and Sophie’s father Mike Barringer said: “I am hugely grateful to the people who have given up their weekend. It is very heart-warming to see so many people turn out to raise money and awareness.”

Sophie’s mother Lin echoed these sentiments.

She said: “Things are tough at the moment and it means a lot that people from all different backgrounds gave up their time, and others their money, to help.

“It has been a fantastic weekend. In addition to raising money people have made new friends, had a great time and there has been a wonderful sense of camaraderie.”

Wearing T-shirts promoting the charity the group took about three hours to reach the 3,560ft summit in North Wales.

The group is now considering making this an annual event.

Organiser Katie Deadman said: “Child cancer is always an important subject and this money will make a difference to those who suffer from it and their families.”

The next event in the pipeline is an Abba tribute night at the Rose Bowl in West End, on September 11.

For more information contact Lin on 023 8032 0618 or log on to .