A WINCHESTER man is set to reach the highest peaks in the UK in a bid to raise money for a cancer charity.

Joe Hollis, of Baigent Close in Winnall, is preparing for the Three Peaks Challenge on September 16 which will see him climb Ben Nevis, Skyfall Pike and Snowdon in just 24 hours to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

The 26-year-old used his workplace at Zizzi, where he is a waiter, to help promote the event and raise extra funds.

Face-painted waiting staff and musicians served pizzas and pasta throughout Saturday (August 30) to help get Joe on his way.

Mr Hollis said: “There’s a few of us from the South, the North and central office taking part. I’m absolutely buzzing for it. I’ve got all my gear and whenever I’m not working I’m training – mostly up and down St Catherine’s Hill!”

Mr Hollis hopes to raise £1,000 by himself – a large chunk of the £5,000 target for the South team.

Joe’s manager, Tom Blackwell, said: “I hope he raises as much as he can and doesn’t break anything!

“Today has been about raising money towards his quota. He’s set himself a target of £1,000 and he’s on about £500 at the moment so this is all to push him along.”

To donate to Joe’s cause and find out more about Zizzi’s involvement with the project visit justgiving.com/Joe-Hollis1/.