THREE Wirral teachers have been “Chasing the Sun” to raise vital funds for a leading children’s charity.

Jinny Morgan Lewtas, Paula Hartharn-Evans and Claire Lighbound, from Bebington, took on the triathlon challenge in aid of the NPSCC on April 26, describing it as an “exciting” and “exhilarating” experience.

The trio packed their bike helmets, paddles and hiking boots before heading to the Lake District to take on the multi activity sponsored challenge, which involved a bike ride, hike and canoe.

The challenge started at the crack of down and involved 25 miles of off-road mountain biking around the famous lake of Derwentwater, a six mile trek up and back down Haystacks and a two to three mile canoe on Derwentwater – all before sunset.

“Paula and I had decided last year that we’d like to challenge ourselves with something a bit different,” said 49-year-old Jinny, who works as a special needs teacher at Stanley School in Pensby.

“We found this one and thought we’d have a go and enlisted Claire in January.

“We all work in primary education and we all have children so it seemed logical to support this particular charity.”

It took the trio 11 hours to complete the challenge.

Jinny added: “The challenge was possibly one of the best and toughest days we’ve ever experienced.

“I can’t tell you how exhilarating it felt to finish the challenge on such a high, and exhausted, note – the whole day was amazing.”

The NSPCC hopes the event will raise £15,000 in sponsorship for its services for children and young people.

Jinny, Paula and Claire have smashed their initial target of £300 each, raising a superb £1,800 between them.

“We’re still counting and it’s not too late for late sponsorship,” added Jinny.

Helen Gazzola, NSPCC fundraising manager for Merseyside said: “I would like to thank Jinny and Paula for taking part in ‘Chasing the Sun’ and fundraising for the NSPCC.

“We really couldn’t continue helping vulnerable children and young people throughout the UK without the support of people like them.”

To sponsor the trio, visit justgiving.com/Paula-Hartharn-Evans2