A GROUP of Gwent friends are taking on a charity mountain walk this Sunday in memory of the father of one of them who died following a battle with cancer.

David Coles’ father Stuart died in 2007 from multiple myeloma, a rare form of bone marrow cancer, at the age of 44.

The illness causes severe bone pain, fractures and organ failure.

Following his diagnosis, Stuart Coles began raising money for St David’s Foundation through coffee mornings and fundraisers.

Now his son David, 27, is carrying on the fundraising with this walk which will see them tackle the three peaks of Mynydd Islwyn, Machen and Twmbarlwm with a few pub visits in between.

This is the fourth year the group have done the challenge which Mr Coles organised with friends Marc and Chris Benger.

Mr Coles said: “St David’s Foundation really cared for my dad so this is in memory of him and to give something back to them.”

More than 30 people are taking part so far and it is hoped that the group will raise around £500.

For more information on the challenge, which starts at the Wattsville Jubilee Club at 12pm, visit www.challenge3peaks.co.uk.