A 24-YEAR-old took on a charity challenge which saw him climb Snowdon three times a day over the period of a week.

Luke Hughes took on the sponsored challenge, to raise money for Prostate Cancer UK, following his father's diagnosis in March 2020.

Tony, 56, who is married to Helen, was treated for sepsis in October 2019 following an accident on his off-road bike.

He had tests and the family, who are from Llysfaen, were left "very shocked" to find out he had prostate cancer.

Helen, who has been with Tony for 33 years, said: "He had no symptoms and if it wasn’t for these follow up tests after the sepsis, he would never have known.

"Due to the pandemic and everything being put on hold it was a worrying time so we opted to go private for treatment.

"Tony had a radical laparoscopic prostatectomy in July 2020 and recovered well.

"He is still being monitored and we have all dealt with it by having a position frame of mind to deal with the situation as best we can."

The couple, who also have daughter Zoe, 20, say Prostate Cancer UK have been a huge support with their information and advice.

"My son wanted to raise awareness and vital funds for the charity," Helen added.

"He decided to do something more challenging and said he’d do the Snowdon challenge by walking up and down three times a day for seven days in a row.

"My husband also wanted to take part and did one walk up there for seven days in a row. This enabled them to meet to have a photo together at the summit.

"He started training July / August 2020 by running and doing long walks and did a trial run on September 21 by going up Snowdon three times on that day."

Luke had intended to do the challenge at the end of September 2020, but due to the second lockdown, the plans had to be postponed.

"They had to deal with the strong Arctic winds and blizzards," Helen said.

"The wind chill at the summit was around -15 degrees. Luke also had to deal with muscle cramps in his calves and very sore feet.

"They also switched from going up via the Snowdon rangers path to going up the Llanberis path.

"Needless to say I was worried about them but they did it.

"Luckily the last few days weather wise was much better."

More than £7,400 has been raised through Luke’s Snowdon challenge [via cash, gift aid and JustGiving].

Helen added: "We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone that has donated, and to friends and family that joined Luke and Tony on some of the walks and to all who have supported us through this time.

"I am so immensely proud of them both completing this challenge.

"Hopefully it will raise awareness about prostate cancer and get men talking and get themselves checked out. Should it save one life it will all have been worth it."

Visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Helen-Hughes54.