EIGHTEEN staff members from McDonald's restaurants in Basildon will climb Mount Snowdon today (Wednesday, 16 June), in aid of the company's charity.

The team will conduct the nine mile, 3,000+ft hike on Wednesday, after setting off from the Mayflower McDonald's restaurant in Basildon this morning.

The walk has so far raised almost £3,000 for Ronald McDonald's House Charities, whcih supports the families of sick children.

The franchise business manager, Simon Fuller said: "We are a group of McDonald's employees- Old and young, healthy and slightly unhealthy all with a common goal to Hike out of Lockdown!

"As a team of 15 people and potential to add more recruits we all have our own challenges in our life's and after some of the most challenging times due to Covid this will be a great way to kick 2020/21 out of system and raise money for a great cause!@

Ronald McDonald House Charities UK provides free 'home away from home' accommodation to families with children having treatment in hospital.

The houses offer much more than just a place to stay; they provide family activities, peer support, respite, and many other services. This means that families can be by their child's bedside in a matter of moments, whilst maintaining a degree of normal life with reduced emotional and financial strain.

Basildon mayor, Cllr David Dadds is supporting the hikers and was on hand to see them of. He spoke to Gateway 97.8FM's Johnny Jenkins and you can hear the interview via this link , plus Johnny's chat with Simon.