FRIENDS of a Bromsgrove man who tragically committed suicide are set to take on an epic challenge in his memory.

Sam James, aged 34, Mike Tansley and Antony Fitter, both 32, from Studley, will complete the gruelling three peaks challenge to honour Wayne Kay, who lost his short battle with mental illness in December 2011, aged just 29.

They will be attempting to scale Britain’s highest three peaks in less than 24 hours, alongside Wayne’s brother Paul Kay, aged 40.

The challenge, which will see the group climb Ben Nevis in Scotland, Scafell Pike in Cumbria and Mount Snowdon in Wales, will also raise funds for mental health charity Mind.

They hope to spread awareness of mental health problems in young men, encouraging them to talk to friends, family and a doctor if they feel unwell.

Sam James, who is a director for Stratford based of marketing agency Shakespeare Media Ltd, said: "Since losing Wayne five years ago I have wanted to do this challenge in his memory.

"Thankfully two close friends of his and Wayne’s brother Paul both felt the same and agreed to join me in celebrating Wayne's life and raising awareness of mental health problems such as depression in young men.

"I can't help but think if more people spoke about mental health we might avoid some unnecessary suicides."

The group will be taking part in the challenge on June 3, taking a mini-bus to Scafell Pike to start the ascent in darkness.

The group have set themselves a target of £1,000. To make a donation visit their Just Giving at justgiving.com/fundraising/Wayne-Kay.

According to Mind, more than 20,000 homes will have an empty chair at their Christmas table due to a loved one being treated for a mental illness.

Just £10 helps to keep a therapy line open for those who reach out for someone to talk to in a crisis.