A MOTHER is preparing to scale the heights for charity after her son's brave fight against a brain disease.

In October 2009 Ethan Hughes contracted Meningococcal Septicaemia and since he has gone on to make a full recovery Helen Gagen, aged 32, will take on the Three Peaks Challenge on Friday, June 20 to raise money for Meningitis Now.

Ms Gagen of Brock Lane, Malvern Link, and her partner Olly Morse, aged 30, have been busy training on the Malvern Hills and in the gym to tackle Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis within 36 hours, covering 25.7 miles.

Ms Gagen said: "It was one of the worst times of our lives with a week in hospital and continued care at home afterwards. Thankfully he made a full recovery as we caught this horrible disease early and he got the treatment he needed in those vital first hours.

"I have always wanted to do something to mark his brave fight against the disease and we decided that the Three Peaks Challenge would be a challenge to fit that purpose."

The couple hope to raise £1,000 in tribute to Ethan, who is now eight and attends Somers Park School, and his recovery.

Meningitis is the inflammation of the membranes that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord - it can be caused by many different organisms including bacteria and viruses.

Meningitis Now was formed in 2013 by bringing together Meningitis UK and Meningitis Trust - the founders of the meningitis movement in the UK – and it aims to save lives and rebuild futures by funding research, raising awareness and providing support.

For more information and to make a donation, go to justgiving.com/EHOthreepeaks.