Mountain man conquers peaks!

Blyth Spartans's mountaineering press officer Mark Carruthers says he's been so overwhelmed by the support he's received for his National Three Peaks Challenge triumph that he's decided to keep his online fundraising page open until the end of June.

Alongside his best friend Mark Rutter of Fast Feet Football Academy, the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League outfit's media man navigated his way up and down the peaks of Scotland's Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike in England and Mount Snowdon in Wales. He completed the challenge in just three days to raise funds for Parkinsons UK in memory of his grandfather who battled the condition.

Alongside his role at the Premier Division club, Carruthers also co-commentates on games at Croft Park for local online radio station Radio Northumberland. They are set to broadcast a documentary detailing his adventure in May which has so far raised more than £2,120. The cash will presented to Parkinsons UK before kick off at Blyth's first home game of the season.

Carruthers, pictured near the summit of Scafell Pike, said: "It was an emotional weekend given that it was done in my grandad Alfie's memory. He suffered from Parkinsons Disease for as long as I can remember and last November marked the twentieth anniversary of his passing so I don't mind admitting I got a bit emotional when I reached each peak."

Carruthers reckons he was bombarded with messages of support before, during and after the climbs and is particularly grateful to the Premier Division's Green Army of fans who backed his bid to place a Spartans pennant of the top of each peak.

"I've had support from all levels at the club both in terms of donations and text messages, Facebook messages or tweets along the way and to get them from supporters of the club has made it extra special. I can't thank them enough for that. It was a proud moment to represent Spartans and leave a little piece of the club at the top of each peak."

He added: "It's been overwhelming the support we received in terms of donations. My employer npower matched us with £4 for every pound raised up to £1000 which was a real bonus. To be honest, £1000 was our initial target so to hit over £2000 is unbelievable.

"We've decided to leave the Just Giving site open until the end of June so again any donations will be gratefully accepted by both myself and of course Parkinsons UK."

To donate online go to www.justgiving.com/marky1982PUK. Alternatively, text the code MPUK82 followed by a space and either 1, 2, 5, 10 or 20 depending on your donation in pounds, to 70070.