We did it! Our amazing team completed all 3 peaks of the 3 peaks challenge. And a challenge it certainly was. Here are all the ups and downs (quite literally!)…
We set off from Bristol on Wednesday 1st September and boarded our flight to Inverness. Spirits were high as we talked training, tactics and fundraising targets! After dinner and a not-so-restful night’s sleep, we arrived at the Ben Nevis Visitor Centre ready to begin.
On arrival, the nearby peak didn’t look too overwhelming. Until someone pointed out the real Ben Nevis in the distance! Turns out, Ben Nevis is the highest of the peaks. And, unlike the other two mountains, the path starts close to sea level creating a much more vertical ascent. With a walking distance of 10.5 miles and an ascent of 1345 metres, we weren’t exactly easing ourselves into it.
We started our climb up Ben Nevis at 2.30pm. And it was tough. Tougher than our team had anticipated. As daylight disappeared, we zigzagged up to the rocky summit plateau, disconcerted by the unusual warmth. We arrived as darkness fell at 8.30pm, barely able to see the views below and returned to the bottom at 10.30pm.
Then, accompanied by snores, the support team began the mammoth drive from Fort William to Scafell Pike in the Lake District.
We arrived at dawn and commenced the second climb at 5.30am. The warm weather and clear skies created a beautiful backdrop for our ascent and the sun rose as we climbed, creating breath-taking views. We reached the top at 8.15am, which actually felt rather fast after the Scottish slog!
Time for another kip on the bus as we headed across to Snowdon, but we were all too full of adrenalin to sleep. 2 down and one to go.
Snowdon was a struggle. The lack of sleep and 2,000 meters of climbing we’d already done was taking its toll. But, news of our ever-increasing fundraising total was the final bit of motivation we needed. We made it to the top and took a moment to celebrate our achievement. Before realising we still had to walk back down!
We’re so proud of the team for completing all 3 peaks (and delighted they all came back in 1 piece). The determination and tenacity to keep going is a testament to our team and yet another example of the marvellous teamwork we’ve seen over the past 18 months.
But we couldn’t have done it without you! We’re so grateful to each and every one of the 187 people who helped us smash the 4th and final summit; our £10k fundraising target. Together you’ve helped us to raise a whopping £13,009.53 for the Sarah Jayne Charitable Trust.
In particular, we’d like to say a huge thank you to Capio Recruitment, our main corporate sponsor and whose generous sponsorship will make a huge difference to local children and families in Bristol. We’d also like to thank Richardson Swift Accountants, Carton Edge Packaging, Lexicomm Marketing Communications and PLOTT web and design for their generous donations.
This incredible amount of money will fund another Wizzybug powered wheelchair from Designability, giving a disabled child the joy of greater freedom and movement.
Money raised will also pay for trauma counselling sessions through Wiltshire Mind as well as play sessions and a Christmas party for Incredible Kids.
If you’ve been inspired by our story and you can help local families overcome their mountains, there’s still time to donate. You can sponsor the team here: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/Hartsfield-3-Peaks or simply text SARAH to 70085 to donate £5.