FRIENDS planning on scaling the heights of the Three Peaks to give kids a fun place to play say they know they are doing a “mad thing”.

Neil Leahy, Michael Woolley and Tyler Dunkin, will test themselves against a rugged terrain and challenging weather conditions during the intrepid challenge.

They are hoping to raise £10,000 as part of the Theydon Bois Playground Appeal to help build safer and more secure equipment.

The three man-band work at Butler & Stag in Theydon Bois.

Mr Leahy said: “I know it seems a mad thing to do but we are fit young guys who want to help young people here in Theydon Bois.

“Facilities like the playground are an essential part of what makes Theydon Bois such a delightful place to live. It’s the heartbeat of the community for villagers with young children and grandchildren.

While the existing facility has provided years of pleasure, time has run out on the equipment and for safety reasons, much has been removed.

“It’s essential it’s replaced with robust apparatus as soon as possible so raising funds is key.”

The Playground at Theydon Appeal, a registered charity, must raise £115k to help pay for new equipment, insurance and maintenance.

To date £75k has been raised but the remaining £40k has been described as “a daunting challenge”.

Pupils at Theydon Bois Primary School will be closely following the challenge and adding their support.

Shelly Dix, chairman of Playground at Theydon said “The Appeal has been ongoing for a year so we have done well but we need everyone local to stake a claim in a better and more secure playground facility for our young people.

“Our plans also include apparatus that provides play for disabled children plus an outreach for the wider local community.”

Their challenge will take place on October 28.

Visit www.playgroundattheydon.co.uk