IT was a mountainous challenge.

But a group of 20 people affected by strokes were using all the grit and determination they could muster as they climbed up more than 8,000 ft of stairs – equivalent of Ben Nevis and Mount Snowdon.

They did this by going up and down staircases at Therapeutics Southampton in Eastleigh.

This raised about £2,000 for Different Strokes Southampton.

The charity helps people rebuild their lives as well as lending help for carers.

Founder Ranj Parmar, from Basset, who had a stroke aged 39 in 2009, was one of those taking part.

He said: “It was very taxing and apart from the physical side there was also the mental strain of making the steps.

“But people really stepped up to the challenge.”

For information or to donate go to bmycharity.com/portsmouthsouthamptondifferentstroke.