NINE nurses came together to take on an epic challenge and raise £2,700 to improve a Barnsley Hospital ward’s facilities.

The cardiac ward nurses completed the 21-mile Derbyshire Three Peaks challenge last Wednesday, which saw them climb Kinder Scout, Bleaklow and Higher Shelf Stones.

The activity was organised to raise money for ward 22, where they all work.

Ben Tate, one of the nurses who took on the challenge, told the Chronicle: “On the ward we see many people who are in critical condition.

“We wanted to make the area a comfortable setting for them and their family.

“It’s going to be less bleak and sad - we’re looking to add more colour, art, radios and maybe even TVs.

“People should be allowed to be comfortable during what could be the worst time of their life.”

The team of nurses worked hard to prepare for the intense challenge, knowing throughout that their work would see significant results for their patients.

Ben added: “It was tough, but I had a good group with me and we all kept pushing each other forward.

“We did lots of practice sessions that were in torrential, horizontal rain and that was really difficult.

“But we managed to get the only dry day of the week for the challenge so it worked out quite nicely.”

Jane Mills, charity development manager, said: “The team have done an amazing job in completing the challenge and their fundraising is going to make a real difference for patients on ward 22.”