ON most days Phil Carter has his feet firmly on the ground serving coffee at the pop-up cafe outside the Oracle. But last Sunday the expert barista was literally up in the air - runnning up a total of 2,000 steps then abseiling down the outside of three vertiginous office blocks in the London Three Peaks Challenge.

Phil, who works for Tamp Culture Coffee Co, has so far raised more than £500 for Cancer Research Uk in memory of his mum, Susan, who died of bowel cancer four years ago. The 39-year-old also wanted a physical challenge before turning 40 this October.

It was after completing a charity abseil down Reading’s Blade building earlier this year that he found out about the London Three Peaks – a gruelling challenge that involves tower runs up three of London’s tallest buildings, including The Gherkin and Salesforce Tower, a 5k run between locations and finishes with a 12 storey abseil down the last one.

Phil said: “I enjoyed abseiling down The Blade so much so that I wanted a bigger abseiling challenge. I Googled ‘charity abseil’ and when I came across the London Three Peaks I knew that was the one I wanted to do next. It sounded like a real physical challenge, daunting but achievable if I did some training. The fact that it was for Cancer Research, a charity close to my heart, sealed the deal.”

Phil spent the next three months preparing for the challenge. “I hadn't run since I was at school so I started off by using a 5km running app on my iPhone and ran up and down the stairs in most of Reading’s car parks. It was hard work at first but it got progressively less painful – but I wouldn't say it got easier!”

He also had his running technique and physical condition assessed at Athlete Services in Henley, a cycling, running, swimming and Triathalon Shop, and was given a personal training programme to follow.

Phil added: “I also got lots of advice and much appreciated motivation from Ajaye Hunn Philips who is the manager of The Gym in Broad Street Mall.”

Despite this preparation he felt he could have done more training and was worried he wouldn't make it to the finish.

He said: “I was nervous and excited on the day and full of anticipation. Once I got there and started chatting to fellow runners the nervousness disappeared and I was itching to get started. As soon as we were running all the nerves went and it felt really good and the excitement kicked in. It was a real buzz, especially reaching the top of the first tower. Knowing I had got over the first hurdle was a good feeling. Climbing the stairs I felt like I just wanted it to end but as soon as I got to the top I felt a real sense of achievement. Abseiling down the final of the three buildings - 200 Aldersgate - was exhilarating. I was a bit nervous at the top but was determined to enjoy it and impress the members of my family waiting at the bottom who had come to show their support.”

Despite a few aches and pains after the challenge, Phil has decided to keep up the running and is already thinking ahead to next year’s challenge. “My goal was just to finish but I ended up being placed 46th out of 194 men which feels amazing and makes me want to go for the top 10 next year.

"It was a great challenge and one that I am glad I took but through all the excitement we must not forget the real reason I did it which is to raise money and awareness for Cancer Research UK. The work they do changes people's lives, I know this through experience, and the money raised through events like this enables that work to continue and progress.”

You can sponsor Phil through his Just Giving page at https://www.justgiving.com/threetimesalooney