An estimated £15,000 has been raised for the RFL Benevolent Fund by the Three Peaks Challenge.

The overall aim of the Challenge was to raise £10,000 but following the completion of the event, initial sponsorship figures indicate that this total has been surpassed by £5,000.

The Challenge was jointly organised by the RFL and Leeds Metropolitan University to generate cash for the fund, which aims to support players whose lives are affected by serious injuries sustained while playing the game.

The teams featured a combination of RFL staff, including Chief Operating Officer Nigel Wood, Rugby League personalities including Sky Sports star and former GB captain Phil Clarke, The Independent's Rugby League writer Dave Hadfield and Leeds Rhinos Chief Executive Gary Hetherington as well as Leeds Metropolitan University personnel.

The challenge began on Monday morning and saw participants attempt to climb the British Three Peaks in the space of JUST 24 hours with the target of finishing on Wednesday afternoon (14th June).

In real terms, that involved scaling each of the highest peaks in Great Britain (Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon).

Commenting on the estimated total generated so far, RFL Benevolent Fund spokesman, Phil Clarke, said: ‚"We are delighted that the initial amount raised has exceeded our target and on behalf of all those who took part in the Challenge, I would like to sincerely thank everybody who offered sponsorship and all those volunteers and drivers who made the Challenge possible.

‚"The Challenge was a tremendous success for all the participants and the money generated will be channelled towards important projects supported by the RFL Benevolent Fund.

‚"Although serious life changing injury in Rugby League is rare, the fund seeks to offer support in cases where this has happened and all donations are important. I believe this event has greatly assisted in raising further awareness of these activities.‚"

The RFL's Chief Operating Officer, Nigel Wood, added: ‚"All the RFL staff who participated and supported the Three Peaks Challenge should be congratulated for their efforts.

‚"The organisation and staging by Leeds Metropolitan University and RFL staff as well as the participation in event were all wonderful achievements in their own right.

"It reflects well on Rugby League that the RFL staff are prepared to demonstrate tangible commitment to an important element of the sport.‚"

Also among the other people who took on the challenge are:

BBC Radio Manchester's Trevor Hunt, 68-year-old Huddersfield woman and keen hill-walker Mrs Jane Danson, Mike Gray the Director of the Headingley Carnegie Partnership, marathon runner Ievion Ellis and Mrs Patricia Lee ‚- the wife of Leeds Metropolitan University's Vice Chancellor.

All Rugby League supporters are encouraged to help further by making whatever donation they can to the RFL Benevolent Fund.