A STOCKTON Heath couple's love of cats inspired them to take on the gruelling Four Peaks Challenge on their own stairs.

Michelle and Christian Ewen ascended and descended their stairs for 4,000 metres, raising more than £700 for Cats Protection.

As motivation to keep going, they asked people to sponsor them in exchange for dedicating 20 flights to their cat.

When lockdown hit, the PR professionals realised charities would be struggling with fundraising, and decided to take part in Cats Protection's Virtual Four Peaks Challenge.

Their inspiration is their cat Raymond Reddington, who they adopted from Cats Protection’s Warrington Adoption Centre in 2017 and who 'has changed their lives forever'.

Warrington Guardian:

"Christian and I are not, by nature, especially fit or sporty people, however we have taken the opportunity of lockdown to set ourselves healthier routines, making sure we get outdoors every day for a long walk,” said Michelle, 40.

"The Virtual Four Peaks Challenge came at just the right time to once again test our new fitness levels for a cause we believe in."

The pair’s beloved cat even got in on the action.

Christian, 38, explained: "We dedicated our final flight to Raymond, who decided to have a sleep on the stairs!

"It required some fancy footwork to get around him safely!

Warrington Guardian:

"Raymond is, by nature, very curious and likes nothing more than to be at our side, so naturally he wanted to follow in our footsteps every step of the way!"

Donations for #ClimbForCats are still being taken and can be made at justgiving.com/fundraising/michelle-christian-ewen.

To find out more about the Virtual Four Peaks Challenge, visit cats.org.uk/virtual4peaks.