INTREPID teachers climbed the UK's three highest mountains in 24 hours in memory of a special little girl.

Staff at Middlewich Primary School completed the epic Three Peaks Challenge at the weekend inspired by an 'incredible pupil' Hollie Warwick, who died in April.

The five-year-old had a rare chromosome disorder and astonished everyone with her determination, strength and resilience.

Headteacher Sandie LaPorta said: "Hollie was a very special little girl who brought so much to our school. She had a lot of challenges every day, difficulties with her legs and struggled with communication.

"She was a very determined little girl with a lovely personality. She put her best efforts into everything she did.

"She was a little star and actually played a star in our nativity play.

"We did the challenge on what would have been Hollie's sixth birthday."

Northwich Guardian:

Alice Worden, Simon Swift, Sean Allen and Vicky William's on the mountain trek with Hollie's bear

The challenge has raised £2,735 for Unique, a family support group for children with a rare chromosome disorder.

Craig Mitchell, the charity's chief operating officer said: "This is an amazing amount to raise! We are hugely grateful for their efforts. We don't receive any government funding. This means we are able to help more families.

"It's brilliant how the whole school community has got behind them."

PE teacher Sean Allen said: "Hollie loved kicking balls. She was always determined to try and achieve everything. Nothing held her back.

"She had a big influence on everyone."

Teachers Alice Worden, Vicky Williams, Sean Allen and Simon Swift scaled 4,411ft up Ben Nevis, 3,162 ft to the top of Scar Fell and conquered the 3,460ft summit of Snowdon - all in 24 hours!

Northwich Guardian:

Headteacher Sandie LaPorta, Vicky Williams, Alice Worden, Sean Allen, Simon Swift and deputy head Gemma Reynolds with Hollie's bear Photo:Dave Gillespie

In between, they raced into a car driven by headteacher Sandie LaPorta and deputy head Gemma Reynolds who navigated 462 miles through dark country lanes to enable them to reach each mountain.

With only three hours' sleep and surviving on cereal bars, the climbers managed to keep going, trekking through the night wearing head torches.

The trekkers set off at 5pm on Saturday and tackled Scotland's tallest peak after a seven hour journey.

Simon said: "It was tough. It took it out of us but we battled on."

Northwich Guardian:

Vicky Williams, Sean Allen, Alice Worden and Simon Swift with Hollie's bear as they climb Snowdon

Vicky said: "We ran down. The rocks are quite loose and sharp so you have to be careful."

Gemma added: "It was a really tough drive through winding roads but what they did was amazing! It was an absolute privilege to drive that car."

Alice said: "Sean kept us all motivated. He had Hollie's bear strapped to the back of his rucksack and kept telling us to look at it.

"The best moment of all was when we were nearly at the summit of Snowdon, a team 18 teachers and staff from school were there to meet us! We are all so happy and proud to have achieved this."

Northwich Guardian:

The trekkers were thrilled to be greeted on Snowdon by a team of 18 teachers and staff from Middlewich Primary School

Hollie's teacher Simon added: "It was magical. Hollie's family is so thrilled that we are keeping her memory alive. It has just been such an incredible challenge and an incredible experience.

"Her family couldn't be more grateful."

To donate visit justgiving.com/fundraising/walking-for-hollie

Families who have children with rare chromosome disorders can contact Unique at rarechromo.org