A group of Watford friends have undertaken a challenge of a lifetime to help raise cash for Luna Petagine.

Luna, four, is battling cancer in the form of an ependymoma brain tumour.

Following countless operations, Luna’s family, from Oxhey Hall, were told by UK doctors there was nothing further they could do to save her life.

But at The Burzynski Clinic in Houston, Texas, a pioneering treatment could prove the answer to their prayers.

Costing £20,000 for preliminary tests, which will establish whether Luna is suitable for treatment, further care will cost an additional £50,000 Inspired by Luna’s story, six regulars of a bar in Market Street, decided to undertake the grueling Three Peaks Challenge.

Mark Doherty, Tony O'Donnell, Ron Sweeney, Duncan Dixon, Phil Somers and Kevin Seivwright took 23 and a half hours to climb Ben Nevis in Scotland, Mount Snowdon in Wales, and Scafell Pike in the Lake District on July 1.

Thanks to their efforts, they believe they have raised in the region of £1,500 to £2,000 for Luna.

50-year-old Mark Doherty, the eldest member of the group, led the team, helping them to keep their pace.

Mr Doherty said: “We could probably have completed the challenge a lot quicker, if our sat nav had not taken us round the houses.

"We were exhausted by the end, but very glad we managed to do it.

“We read about Luna in the Watford Observer and decided we should do our bit.

"It started off as a bit of a laugh for us, but knowing we were doing it for Luna meant we dared not fail.

"We are just pleased we have helped such a good cause."

•To donate money to Luna's Community Appeal Fund, to find out more, or to tell us about your fundraiser for Luna:

o Email: amulderrig@london.newsquest.co.uk

o www.lunapetagine.co.uk

o www.justgiving.com/lunaappealfund

•Donations can be sent to Luna via the News Room, Watford Observer, Observer House, Caxton Way, Watford, WD18 8RJ (envelopes should be clearly marked “Helping Luna” appeal, and cheques made payable to Luna’s Community Appeal Fund.)

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