Three Old Bristolian rugby players have set themselves a new aim off the pitch this year in the shape of the 24seven Challenge; an adventure event in aid of children's cancer charity Clic Sargent.

Gavin Hooper, from Bishopston in Bristol, and his team mates are taking part in the 24-hour event which puts both mind and body to the test, in memory of their friend and fellow Old Bristolian, Robbie Stuart, who died last November.

Robbie was just 28 years old when he died after a brave year-long battle with leukaemia. He lived and breathed rugby as captain of the Old Bristolian second team and the break-dancing Brizzley Bear mascot for Bristol RFC.

While Robbie was battling leukaemia, he wanted to do as much as possible to help other young people in a similar situation and decided to start raising money for Clic Sargent, which provides a support system for children and young people, and their families.

In the year before he passed away, Robbie raised more than £26,000 – enough to fund a Clic Sargent Play Specialist for a year.

Gavin and his fellow team mates Ed Yarker, from Bath and Ben Morris from Brislington, were determined to continue Robbie's rugby legacy and raise funds for the charity. They have organised and taken part in activities like a bike ride through China, extreme fitness workouts and dragon boat riding to raise money for Clic Sargent in Robbie's name – all activities which will stand them in good stead to take on the 24seven Challenge.

Gavin, learning and development co-ordinator at Clic Sargent, said: "We all wanted to do something big this year to raise money in Robbie's memory.

"It will push us considerably in body and spirit, but it will only be a small effort compared to what young people go through on their cancer journey.

"As someone who works in the charity, I am aware of how difficult life can be for children and their families, and how important it is that someone can lend a helping hand in whatever form they may need. Events like 24seven Challenge help to make this possible."

Taking place on the banks of Lake Windermere in the Lake District on October 10 and 11, the 24seven Challenge comprises seven different physical and mental challenges completed over 24 hours.

The Old Bristolians will cover a marathon distance (26.2 miles) by foot, bike and canoe, as well as encountering many surprising mental tasks along the way.

But this is all they know about the event so far as 24seven is shrouded in a veil of mystery up until just before the entrants set off.

Last year's event raised more than £40,000 for Clic Sargent, and The Old Bristolians are keen to add to that total.

As money is donated, teams are rewarded with clues and items of equipment which will help them on.

Gavin added: "We are slightly apprehensive about the fact that we don't know exactly what we are letting ourselves in for, but I guess that provides the excitement as well. There is a nervous trepidation within the team about what challenges we will face but we will deal with it."

Beverley Mackenzie, challenge events manager for ClicSargent said: "Last year's event was fantastic.

"Everyone involved had such fun and achieved a great deal of satisfaction from completing – or should I say surviving – the weekend. I just know that this year is going to be even bigger and better.

"We've changed the challenges and the location, and we hope to have lots more people from different walks of life taking part. It's great to see teams like The Old Bristolians entering. We can't guarantee they will win, but we can assure them they will have a great time. The most important challenge is to raise as much money as possible to help families whose lives have been turned upside down by childhood cancer."

The venue is ready, the date is set and the goal is clear – raising money for children and young people with cancer, and their families. Entries are now open, so make sure you secure your place by calling 0845 602 7315.