A GROUP of Cricklade men will take on a charity challenge in memory of their best friend who died of cancer weeks after marrying his childhood sweetheart.

Damien Davis, 34, of Fairfield, Cricklade, will lead a mountain of a challenge this year in memory of friend Wayne Wilson, of Cricklade, who died of leukaemia last week.

Damien has joined with Wayne’s younger brother Carl Wright, 16, and friends Kevin Giles, 22, Mike Murray, 21, David Murray, 20, James Bowyer, 29, and Kevin Midgley, 51.

The dedicated group, dubbed Team Wayne, will take on the Three Peaks Challenge in April to raise money for Leukaemia Research.

They will attempt to climb the three highest peaks of England, Scotland and Wales- Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon –within 24 hours.

Damien, who first met Wayne when he was his babysitter 16 years ago, said it was an honour to raise cash in memory of his friend.

"Wayne was my inspiration and now he has become my motivation," said Damien.

"I went to see him in hospital and he was laughing and joking with me, he never moaned once.

"He was an amazing guy and this is my chance to do something amazing for him."

The team has raised more than £300 already and has secured the sponsorship of South Cerney firm Dave Cobb Transport, which has provided the team with £600 worth of free hiking equipment.

Their target is £2,000, a sum which Damien hopes can easily be smashed.

"Wayne was the bravest, most courageous person I knew, hopefully everyone will support us," he added.

"The response we have had so far has been overwhelming."

Team Wayne began their training this week to get in top shape for the challenge.

The group will begin their challenge at 5pm on April 27 and hope to complete it by 5pm the following day.

To donate go to justgiving.com/damiendavis-kili or teamwayne.co.uk