A CHARITY which supports vulnerable teenagers is thousands of pounds better off thanks to the Herculean efforts of seven rugby players from the Isle of Wight.

The Hurries4Change team, representing Sandown and Shanklin Rugby Club, completed the Three Peaks Challenge of Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon in 22 hours 48 minutes — more than an hour inside their 24-hour target time — on Saturday.

Youth suicide prevention charity, Papyrus UK, will received £4,500 from the fundraiser — treble the target amount the team set themselves.

The team of Sam Tyson, Sam Rees, Sam Dawson, Tom Marriott, Rich Brownrigg, Ross Simpson and Will Baxandall — backed by support drivers were Paul Tyson and Hurricanes coach, Andy Stewart — had their travel costs covered by sponsors Wightlink and The Way Forward Programme.

Isle of Wight County Press: Hurries4Change team members Rich Brownrigg, left, and Paul Tyson, on a mountain trail.Hurries4Change team members Rich Brownrigg, left, and Paul Tyson, on a mountain trail. (Image: Sandown & Shanklin RFC)

Hurricanes captain, Sam Tyson, said: “The challenge went well. It was very hard work and, at times, the team had to really dig deep to make it within 24 hours.

“But we all managed it and raised lots of money for a really important cause.

“We managed to smash our original target of £1.5k."

You can still sponsor the team on the JustGiving site and search for Hurries4Change fundraising for Papyrus.