Student nurses from The University of York have “climbed” the national Three Peaks Challenge to raise money for the Renal Dialysis Unit at York Hospital.

The 11 women all spent time at the hospital as part of their studies, and have so far raised more than £600 in donations.

Their online fundraising page said the money would support the provision of care in the community, focusing on the areas that need it most.

The simulated challenge was run in conjunction with the Level Two Adventure Sports course at Askham Bryan College. The college students set up the challenges for the nurses – which included tests of their problem solving and orienteering in addition to the climbing.

Kirsty Brien, who runs the adventure sports course, said it tied in perfectly with the course’s leadership module.

She said: “The nurses put loads of effort in – they were not very experienced climbers. Between them they climbed about 2,800 metres.”

The three peaks – Ben Nevis in Scotland, Scafell Pike in England and Snowdon in Wales – amount to just under 3,500m in height. But bonuses from the other challenges saw the nurses hit that target – and in doing so, exceed their aim of raising £500 for the unit.

To donate, visit justgiving.com/studentnursesclimb