Youth Cancer Trust Teams Complete 3 Peaks Challenge

On Saturday 24th May 2009, 5 teams assembled at the Chase The Wild Goose Hostel in Banavie, nr Fort William, to register for the Youth Cancer Trust - Three Peaks Challenge.

The Challenge is to climb, and travel between, the highest UK mountains of Ben Nevis (Scotland), Scafell Pike (England) and Snowdon (Wales), all within a continuous strictly timed schedule of around 24 hours. The challenge involves driving some 480 miles between the peaks, walking some 26 miles, and climbing over 10,000 feet.

Teams represented Scottish Widows, Barclays, CHF Creative, Cuddles Day Nursey and Nigel Bradley entered a team made up from his company and it's suppliers.

The forcast was for heavy rain and strong winds on Ben Nevis, but improving as the event developed and moved south. The prediction proved true, with all teams getting a soaking on the Ben, with a mixture of snow and hailstones waiting for teams on the summit area, with deep slush and snow remaining underfoot from the winter.

All teams completed the Ben Nevis climb on target, and swiftly headed off to Wasdale for the next climb - Scafell Pike. The conditions here were much more inviting, but having to climb and navigate in the dark, with only the clear skies and stars to help, careful navigation was important to ensure teams did not stray off the prescribed route. Latter teams were treated to an impressive Lake District sunrise.

Teams then started the final drive to Llanberis, Snowdonia, for the last of the Three Peaks - Snowdon. The sun was now shining, and tired teams needed to ensure they had plenty of liquids available for this climb up a very popular and busy mountain. Temperatures of 73 degrees were recorded at the finish, the Heights Hotel, in Llanberis, where drivers and support teams would await their walkers.

After just 23 hours and 45 minutes after starting the Ben Nevis climb, the first team arrived at the finish - WELL DONE..! Within a few hours all other teams had successfully completed the challenge, and also raised a huge amount of much needed funds for the Youth Cancer Trust.

Many thanks to everyone who took part, and helped acheive so much during this weekend.

Richie..