Force was with Shropshire Star Wars fan for Ben Nevis climb

Star Wars nut Ashley Broomhall, from Shropshire, wanted to raise money for a cancer charity, so he decided to climb the highest mountain in the United Kingdom dressed as a stormtrooper.

The suit was identical to those worn in the classic films, although he did compromise by putting on a pair of walking boots for his Ben Nevis trek.

Ashley, from Higher Heath near Whitchurch, embarked on the journey for a fundraiser inspired by his mother.

Janet, 54, was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year and Mr Broomhall decided to take on the climb for Cancer Research UK.

And having raised more than £1,200 for the charity, Mr Broomhall said it was a great success.

For more information about Ashley's challenge or to donate, visit www.justgiving.com/TK-3440

The 28-year-old supervisor at Home Bargains has been taking on a number of Britain's mountains to raise funds.

His most recent climb has been up the 4,406ft-high Ben Nevis, and while it might look like a great costume it is not the most comfortable gear to go trekking in.

He said: "Plastic against plastic tends to creak every now and again unfortunately.

"It is one of the lesser known aspects of the original trilogy."

Ashley added: "I am climbing these mountains for my Mum.

"Unfortunately earlier this year she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Thankfully it was caught early and she had an operation and she is fine now.

"It was the best possible outcome we could have hoped for."

Ashley has already taken on Snowdon and has his sights set on his next challenge already – Scafell Pike in the Lake District.

The idea has all come from his involvement in the Star Wars costuming club the 501st UK Garrison.

He said: "It has come from the love of Star Wars. But to be honest I was looking up for a Halloween costume and came across the UK Garrison.

"And since then it has gone from strength to strength and since then I have raised quite a lot for charity."

Ashley has so far raised £1,275 and has been going up the mountains accompanied by his friends and family who have helped when he gets stuck in a unique situation.

He explained: "Unfortunately when a stormtrooper falls over he turns into something like a turtle!"

Ashley added: "We confused a lot of climbers along the way – a Stormtrooper was the last thing they had been expecting to see climbing Ben Nevis. We handed out cards and told them my tale and they offered nothing but the most vocal support.

"Most people wanted to stop and have their photograph taken with me. They said no-one would believe they have come across a Stormtrooper on Ben Nevis!"

Before the climb, Ashley trekked to the summit of Snowdonia to check his costume would be suitable.

He admitted it was hot work, and it also leaked when it rained as well as creaking at every step he took. The 4,460ft climb up Ben Nevis took him seven hours.

Ashley has been part of the 501st UK Garrison for more than five years and carried the flag for the group up the trek with friends accompanying him along the way. He was thrilled to receive donations from other walkers while taking on the mountain – and even took part in a snowball fight half way up.

Ashley said: "The last snowfield held the summit and, with my heart swelling with pride, I let the flag fly and charged on to the summit.

"We had made it. It was brilliant and I was so happy at making it after all the struggles and rallying needed to get myself there.

"I was greeted by a cheer from the climbers there and planted the flag on the summit itself, claiming it for the Empire."

He added: "I love Scotland and I love the Munros and this was a challenge that I enjoyed doing.

"Scafell Pike is next. I've done the other two in armour, I might as well do the third in it."