STAFF at a secondary school are to undertake a gruelling challenge this weekend climbing three peaks in one day to raise money for their colleague's disabled daughter.


Atif Ajaib, who is Head of Science at Leytonstone Business and Enterprise School in Colworth Road, said he was "overwhelmed" by the outpouring of support in aid of daughter Mahlica.


The seven-year-old was born with a form of cerebral palsy which meant she was in constant pain, in a wheelchair and unable to stand up unaided.


But she recently flew to the USA for an operation unavailable in the UK after kind-hearted friends, relatives, colleagues and pupils at Leytonstone School spent the last year raising a staggering £70,000 for her.


Following the successful surgery little Mahlica is now able to walk with crutches but needs intensive physiotherapy, so 20 teachers at the school are now hoping to raise £5,000 so she can complete her treatment.


This Saturday the staff will attempt to climb Yorkshire peaks Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough peaks - which are all around 700 metres tall - in the space of just 12 hours.


“It's been incredible,” said Mr Ajaib. “The support from everyone has been overwhelming. The pupils have been raising money, my brother did a sky-dive, we've had help from other schools, friends and family.


“My colleague [head of P.E.] Jamie Sains has been great helping to organise the three peaks challenge and we have someone I think from every department at the school taking part. I'm so grateful.


“It's been difficult but my daughter's been such a brave girl. She's made a very good recovery so far and to see her walking into her school was amazing to see.”

Visit www.justgiving.com/3peakschallenge4Mahlica to sponsor the teachers.