The group hope to raise a couple of thousand pounds for rescuers

The six men based in St Helens, Merseyside, started their challenge in Snowdonia at first light on Saturday.

They are raising money for the Ogwen Valley Rescue Organisation, which was called out when their colleague Bill Malloy was killed on Tryfan in April.

The challenge is also in memory of Mr Malloy, 58, of Middlewich, Cheshire.

A total of 40 people, and a RAF Valley helicopter, were involved in the operation in April when Mr Malloy fell as a member of a group of six making their way down Tryfan's north ridge.

Peter Ferguson, one of the walkers, speaking from the summit of Crib Goch, said the group had had tremendous support from the rescue team.

"They are a great crowd of people in Ogwen Valley," he said.

"So what we are doing is raising money in memory of Bill, but mainly to support the Ogwen Valley mountain rescue team, who I'm sure you know are mainly dependent on voluntary contributions for the vast amount of money that they run their organisation with.

"We've got commitments to over �1,000 at the moment and the firm that I work for that the club is based around have agreed to match (the money) pound to pound.

"So we are hoping to raise a couple of thousand pounds.

"I couldn't think of a better use for it to be put to, and if people see the boxes in pubs and wherever else they can always put a couple of bob in as well."