A YORK couple scaled the dizzy heights of the Annapurna mountain range in the Himalayas to raise more than £13,500 for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Richard and Katherine Peak, of Clifton Moor, York, reached 4,000 metres on the 12-day trek.

Richard, 33, director of property company The Helmsley Group, and Katherine, 32, a solicitor in Leeds, chose to trek the Spirit Of Adventure challenge, which was both physically and mentally demanding, to help raise as much money as possible for the cancer charity.

Richard said: " We have been truly overwhelmed by people's generosity and we just can't thank them enough.

"The group we travelled with were aged between 23 and 63 years and between us we raised £70,000.

"The trek was tough going, but it was worth it and we'd do it all again."

June Moore, community fundraising co-ordinator at Marie Curie Cancer Care, said: "Richard and Katherine have raised a magnificent total to support the local Marie Curie nursing service.

"Without the dedication and enthusiasm of people like Richard and Katherine the Marie Curie nursing service wouldn't be able to continue.

"We are grateful to them both for undertaking the Nepal Trek Challenge".

Money raised by Richard and Katherine will be used to support the vital work of local Marie Curie Nurses in Yorkshire who are unique in providing practical nursing care to people with cancer in their own homes, mostly involving an all-night stay. The service is offered free of charge to patients and their families.

Anyone wishing to take part in Trek 2004 Nepal or make a donation to Marie Curie Cancer Care should phone 01904 621000 or visit www.mariecurie.org.uk

Updated: 09:48 Friday, May 23, 2003