TWO dads joined forces with friends on a gruelling 24-hour challenge to raise £11,000 for deaf children.

Alex Siegle and Nigel Callaghan, both from Portishead, are fathers of deaf children who have been treated by the National Deaf Children's Society.

Alex's daughter Katy, now five, was born deaf and had a cochlear implant fitted shortly before her second birthday. Nigel's son Toby was also born deaf and had the same treatment earlier this year.

Both fathers wanted to do something to thank the National Deaf Children's Society for helping to make such a difference to their children's lives.

The challenge they decided upon was the Lake District 24 Peak Challenge – climbing 24 of Cumbria's highest peaks, all more than 2,400ft (730m) high, in 24 hours.

With seven friends and a designated driver they undertook the arduous challenge last weekend, covering 35 miles on foot and climbing a total of 12,500ft (3,800m), taking in Scafell Pike, the highest peak in England.

Alex, aged 37, said: "We originally planned to do the Three Peaks challenge, but decided we wanted to do something tougher and went for 24 in 24 hours.

"Although it was June, the first day was a real challenge with strong winds, rain and poor visibility.

"The weather was kinder on the second day, giving an opportunity to view the amazing scenery of the Lake District."

Grateful Alex, of Fennel Road, says the implant has helped so much that Katy now attends mainstream primary school and some people who meet her are surprised when told that she is deaf.

A cochlear implant helps severe to profoundly deaf people who gain no benefit from hearing aids.

It gives an awareness of environmental sounds, allows speech to be understood without lip-reading and some use of the telephone.

All the fundraisers live in Bristol and North Somerset, and had to raise £5,000 to take part in the challenge, but managed to raise more than twice that amount through sponsorship and two charity events – a 1970s disco night at Clarence House, Portishead, and a Golf Day at the Bristol Golf Club – which raised £2,500.

They have been training since September in all weathers on the Mendips, Brecon Beacons and Dartmoor.

The friends who joined Alex and Toby on the hike were Nigel Morgan, Gareth Frappell, Nigel Buck, John Sissons, Andy Sissons, Nick Marshall, Craig Knowles and Dave Whitmey.

The group's fundraising website is www.justgiving.com/24pchallenge.