In July, a team of nine climbers embarked on the Children’s Respite Trust’s Three Peak Challenge. Among them were Gavin and Rachel from the Trust. The challenge began early on Thursday 6th July, meeting at the Respite Centre in Uckfield before setting off to Scotland.
Day 1- Scotland: Ben Nevis, climb height 1,345m
Despite unfavourable weather conditions upon their arrival in Fort William, the team were relieved when it started to clear and they were able to begin their climb at Ben Nevis in dry weather. The wind and rain did however set in and they found themselves climbing through the clouds to reach the summit. The climb was the largest of all three mountains at 1,345m high, with a distance of 17.5k, and walking time of approximately 5.5 hours. With the climb complete, the team began their journey to the Lake District.
Day 2- England: Scafell Pike, climb height 978m
Day 2 was all about beating the weather with thunder storms due in the afternoon. The team had an early start and reached the summit just before lunch, making it back down before the heavy rain and storms set in. The rocky terrain made Scafell Pike a tricky climb and even tougher decent, totalling approximately 9k. The incredible views of the Lake District made it all worthwhile and everyone enjoyed celebrating their achievement with tea and ice cream back at finish line! With sore feet and tired muscles, the team began their journey to Wales to prepare for day 3.
Day 3- Wales: Mount Snowdon 1,085m
On the last leg of the challenge, the team battled the mighty Snowdon covering a distance of approximately 13.5k. They set off under glorious sunshine, which later turned into rain showers and fog. The team reached the summit just before 1 pm, taking a moment for photos and a pit-stop at the café. As they began the descent, morale was high as the end of the challenge approached. To celebrate the completion of such a monumental event, some of the group took the opportunity for a freezing cold dip in the picturesque lakes they had admired from the summit. The team were able to enjoy the last few miles of the challenge in glorious sunshine and were ecstatic to reach finish line after 4 hours of walking time.
We are immensely proud of all the participants who took part in this challenge. Each person faced their own unique struggles, but as a team, they provided unwavering support to one another. Lifelong memories were created, and the temporary aches and pains will soon fade away.
The Just Giving total has now reached an incredible £6,200 (including offline donations) which is an amazing achievement for the group and will make a massive difference to our ability to care for disabled children and their families.