THE thermals, fleeces and mountain boots are packed and the time has nearly arrived for a 59-strong group of fundraisers to take on the mountainous challenge of scaling Britain’s highest peak for charity.

The all-female team will be travelling to Scotland today to climb Ben Nevis with the aim of raising �14,000 for the Palliative Care East appeal for a new palliative care centre at the James Paget University Hospital.

The money will go to the Carla’s Angels appeal set up by Belton ex-special forces soldier Tremaine Kent in memory of his partner Carla Saunders to raise money for the new centre. The former soldier, who has completed desert runs, has been training the fundraisers, who include student nurses, hairdressers and staff from a PR recruitment company.

Palliative Care East co-ordinator Jenny Watson said the group would be spending two days in Scotland, returning on Sunday and would be staying in a youth hostel at Fort William a couple of miles from Ben Nevis.

She added many of the team did not know each other prior to starting training on Gorleston cliffs, but the group had since built up a real camaraderie.

She said: “They are just really looking forward to it, already saying ‘what is the next challenge Jenny?’ because they are so keen. It has already brought them together in a real friendship.”

Yarmouth mayor Michael Jeal was a special guest at the group’s last training session on Sunday.

The appeal has also received a �50 donation from Jay Jay’s Beach Cafe in Gorleston.

Forthcoming events in aid of the appeal include:

n May 15: Spring charity walk organised by Yarmouth Rotary Club.

n June 17: Masquerade Ball organised by Yarmouth College at the Imperial Hotel.

n July 24: Fete at the James Paget University Hospital.

n October 7: Moonlite Walk along Lowestoft seafront with bacon, rolls, tea and coffee at the finish.

To make a donation to the appeal, visit www.palliativecareeast.org.uk

Cheques, made payable to Palliative Care East, can be sent to Palliative Care East, Fundraising Office, James Paget University Hospital, Gorleston, NR31 6LA.