A GROUP of businessmen is taking on a mountainous challenge in support of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

The adventurers aim to conquer the 12 highest peaks in the UK and Ireland, tackling one a month.

And the cause is particularly close to the heart of member Rob Lewis, whose daughter needed the services of the air ambulance last June.

Five-year-old Georgia was airlifted to Leeds General Infirmary after she fractured her skull in a horse riding accident at Cowling.

She has since made a full recovery.

"We will eternally owe the air ambulance a debt of gratitude," said Mr Lewis, 41, from Steeton, managing director of credit control agency Corporate & Commercial.

"Georgia was at LGI within ten minutes.

"When we were approached and asked if we'd participate in the challenge and support the cause, of course we jumped at the chance.

"Life is both a fleeting and fragile thing and so whenever the opportunity arises to help others, we should all do our bit."

The group – labelled the walk society – this month completed its first peak, Skiddaw in the Lake District.

And next month the 10-or-so members will return to the Lakes to climb Cross Fell.

Walk society organiser is Steve Burles, managing director of digital marketing agency Puddle Digital.

"I'm a keen walker, love the outdoors and spend a lot of time on my motorbike touring our beautiful country," he said.

"I constantly see the invaluable work the Yorkshire Air Ambulance delivers and I know the difference it makes to saving lives.

"It just seemed obvious that should we be in a position to help it save lives, then we should, without thought or question."

The group had set a fundraising target of £3,000, but would like to raise at least £10,000 – which would cover the cost of operating the air ambulance for a day.

To follow the walk society, visit its Facebook page, facebook.com/12x12MountainChallenge.

Donations can be given at justgiving.com/teams/12x12.