A 10-year-old girl's battle with diabetes inspired colleagues from a Watford-based business swapped their office day jobs for an arduous mountain-walking challenge.

The group of nine hikers challenged themselves to walk 66 miles going up and over 42 summits across the Lake District in just 36 hours, raising nearly £4,000 for Diabetes UK.

Organiser David Hewins’ 10-year-old daughter, Holly, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the beginning of the year.

Mr Hewins, a project manager at VINCI Construction UK Ltd in Imperial Way, said: "Holly lost a quarter of her body weight before her diagnosis and she is now dependent on insulin injections every day to keep her alive.

"There is currently no cure and we still do not really know why it happens, so with this in mind I wanted to arrange a challenge to focus people’s minds on this condition to raise both awareness and vital funds."

Mr Hewins was delighted when eight colleagues decided to join him in tackling the bold fundraiser.

He continued: "I’m so grateful to those who walked with me, everybody pushed themselves physically and we seriously underestimated the sheer magnitude of the challenge, but we are very proud of what we achieved.

"Sliding down gullies, traversing open rock faces and walking in darkness across narrow ridgelines with loose stones and 500m drops at each side was perilous, but we have raised nearly £4,000 and we are hoping people will continue to sponsor us to raise vital funds to support Diabetes UK’s research programmes.

"It is shocking when your child is diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and you feel very helpless. I would also urge all parents to make sure they are aware of the symptoms, because it is really important to seek medical help quickly.

"Holly now faces the daily challenge of managing her diabetes effectively while at the same time, carrying on with enjoying her childhood and doing all the things kids her age love to do. We took on the mountainous challenge to support and inspire Holly and others."

Teresa Strange, Diabetes UK Eastern fundraiser, said: "This was a truly spectacular fundraising effort. Holly’s diagnosis has had a massive impact on her life and that of her whole family. Our much-needed work wouldn’t be possible without the help of our incredible fundraisers, like David and his colleagues."

To sponsor the team visit their fundraising page https://www.justgiving.com/David-Hewins/.