Two sisters have climbed three towering London buildings in memory of their late father to raise money for cancer research.

Vicky Ziff, 39, and Dani Miller, 40, both Hampstead Garden Suburb residents, took on the London 3 Peaks challenge in aid of Cancer Research UK on Sunday.

The sisters, who both have three children, conquered a gruelling 2,088 steps up three buildings in the City of London’s financial district – 30 St Mary Axe, known as The Gherkin, Salesforce Tower London, formerly the Heron Tower, and 200 Aldersgate.

They then abseiled a nerve-bending 56m down the north building of 200 Aldersgate to complete the challenge, having run 5km between the towers – finishing together in a time of 59 minutes.

Personal trainer Vicky, of Ossulton Way, said: “We passed a lot of flagging people on the stairwells! We loved it, it was such a beautiful day and the weather really helped.

“The running was fun – the stairs were hard – and I loved the abseiling. I’m not afraid of heights so it was a pretty exhilarating experience.”

The pair prepared for the event with repeated climbs up the 320 stairs in Hampstead Tube station, as well as climbing the spectator steps at Saracens Rugby Club’s Allianz Park arena in Mill Hill.

Sunday’s event was part of the Stand Up To Cancer fundraising campaign, jointly organised by Cancer Research UK and Channel 4, supporting research into new cancer treatments.

In 1998, the sisters lost their father Gerald Winberg, a jewellery manufacturer, to a brain tumour at the age of 46.

Dani, who lives with her husband and children in Holne Chase, said: “He was ill for about 16 months from diagnosis to when he passed away.

“He was extra fit and healthy – it was a big shock and left a void in our lives. It was horrific, so that was why we felt we wanted to do it in his memory.

“One very strong memory I have is of him running up and down the steps in the jewellery factory where he worked. So it’s quite fitting we have done this!”

If you wish to support Vicky and Dani’s challenge, visit justgiving.com/Vicky-Ziff1