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Fundraiser Ben ready to tackle Three Peaks challenge

After seeing the effects of child slavery and trafficking Ben Colley decided he wanted to take action to make a positive difference.

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Ben Colley, getting ready for the Three Peaks Challenge.

Mr Colley, 40, from Sedgley, worked as a paramedic for West Midlands Ambulance Service for 10 years, during which time he received training on how to stop the signs of slavery and trafficking involving young children.

It was an experience that changed him and opened his eyes to a crime that he claims 'goes unseen' in society.

On June 20, he will take on the famous Three Peaks challenge in order to raise money for a charity called Unseen that helps children who are put in those situations.

Participants in the Three Peaks challenge attempt to climb the highest mountains of England, Scotland and Wales within 24 hours.

Mr Colley said: "I remember taking that training course and it just shocked me, I couldn't believe what these children have to go through.

"It was a real eye-opener, especially to the fact that these crimes go unseen by so many.

"My sister does a lot of work with police on how to tackle the problem and when I spoke to her more about it, I just asked if she could point me in the right direction so I could offer my help to a charity."

The climbing challenge, which Mr Colley will tackle with his friend Leon Chadwick, will be a gruelling feat.

Mr Colley, who runs a marketing company called Ben Colley Media with his wife, said he has tried to 'do something crazy' every year for a while now and has been training hard ahead of this one.

He said: "I have been raising money for a lot of different charities, mostly for foreign relief, by doing something crazy each year.

"I have done marathons and that sort of thing but this is a whole new level.

"I am happy that this will make a difference closer to home.

"I feel ready at the moment but I think these last few weeks of training will be crucial."

To donate to Mr Colley's cause, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/benandleon3peakchallenge