A GROUP of dedicated friends are attempting climb the UK’s highest mountain this weekend to raise money for Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Rayleigh dad Stuart Jones is taking on Ben Nevis with two other dads and their sons in aid of the world-renowned centre for sick children which has helped a close friend of theirs for many years.

Great Ormond Street Hospital, in London, has been treating 11-year-old family friend Oliver Havis, from Wickford, for five years after an extensive series of undiagnosed allergies permanently damaged his bowel.

The group are undertaking the challenge this weekend and have already raised more than £1600.

The boys have grown up together after their parents met at antenatal classes and became close friends.

Mr Jones, 39, of Wellington Road, Rayleigh, said: “Myself along with two other dad's from Essex are going to climb Ben Nevis this weekend, joining us on this adventure with our son's Daniel Jones, Lewis Christie and Lewis Tinton, who are all just 11-years-old .

“It was then that the three boys pulled together, knowing that they weren't able to climb with Oliver, they decided to take on the challenge and to include Oliver one way or another."

Oliver’s mum Siobhan Havis is over the moon about what the group are doing for her son.

She said: “I think what the other boys and their dads are doing in Oliver's name is incredible. When I first saw their Just Giving page it actually reduced me to tears.

“The boys are very close. Their love, support and kindness have gotten Oliver through some very dark times and we believe this friendship will last their entire lives.

“Oliver would desperately have loved to make the climb with them but sadly won't be able to on this occasion. He is adamant that he will be fit and well for the next one.”

Oliver suffers from multiple food allergies which went undiagnosed until he was five. By then, his bowel had been so damaged that he has since needed three operations and is often in and out of Great Ormond Street Hospital, as well as in Basildon hospital.

His most recent surgery was just nine weeks ago.

Mrs Havis added: “Oliver has spent such a lot of time in hospital over the past six years. He adores the nurses and has a wonderfully humorous relationship with them. He is also very fond of his Italian Gastroenterologist at Great Ormond Street, Mr Borrelli.”

To donate to their cause visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Old-ben