The Three Peaks challenge COMPLETED in 23hours and 21 minutes.
Ben Nevis: 5hrs 9mins
Scafell Pike: 4hrs
Snowdon: 3hrs 23mins
It was extremely tough, exhausting but we are so proud. We also could not have done it without Derek and Jan who drove us around to make sure we got to each peak in time. Now it’s time to rest.
Our Role Models team are taking on the Three Peaks challenge which involves climbing the highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales (Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon) in 24 hours on 4th September, 2020. We have realised this is actually going to be quite a feat as not many of us are avid hikers and so it's time to strap on those walking boots and give it a good go!
We’re raising money for Frederick’s Foundation, a charity set up by Paul Barry-Walsh. We heartily support their mission which is to ‘provide access to small business loans to people excluded from mainstream credit in order to create choice not charity, and to give individuals the opportunity to transform their lives, and to build a society based on dignity not on handouts’. They have a particular focus on loans to single parents, people from ethnic backgrounds and people with disabilities. One of their big plus points is that the person receiving the loan is of course given the loan with a view to paying it back, which means that money can be re-used.
This charity is close to our hearts due to the fact Role Models is a small start-up business too. Our Managing Director, Hugo Shephard, understands the trials and tribulations in creating a new business and how having that initial financial and emotional support and belief system is paramount. We want to show our support and recognition of those who have big dreams and ideas. We would like for you to help us give such people the opportunity to make these dreams come to life.
Please watch our video (above) where we have our courageous Managing Director, Hugo, tackling the Pennines in torrential rain and gale force winds as he tells you a little about our cause.
The 3 Peaks Team
Hugo Shephard: "I spend most weekends playing all sorts of sports, but they usually involve a ball, so this is a slightly different form of exercise. The challenge will be a really good one for getting us out of our comfort zones and a wonderful opportunity to raise money for a very innovative charity. It looks like I might oversee navigation so that gives us another mountain to climb! We have got my mum driving the bus which means Magic FM and plenty of tea will be the order of the day to make sure she’s on it and keeps her pedal to the floor".
Sophie Lake: "I am excited to take on the 3 Peaks with my team and feel it will be something I can look back on and think, ‘how amazing was that!’ We will be walking 37km and climbing 10,052ft which is a little daunting but with plenty of chocolate in my backpack and hopefully some positive attitudes, we will complete it! Also, Frederick Foundation is a great charity to raise money for as I believe they support those who deserve the opportunity to change their lives".
Emily Birks: "I love to run, go to the gym, and play tennis but I am no hiker. I do love a good dog walk when I am back in Wiltshire where I usually end up in the pub with a big glass of red wine by the fire. I must admit that I have not strapped on those hiking boots since 2011 when I took on my Gold D of E and therefore I am a little anxious in walking up all 3 peaks in the space of 24 hours, but what a challenge. I look forward to pushing myself, seeing the views, spending 24 hours and more with my team (eek!) and doing it all for a such a great charity!"
Alexandra Rigdway: "I must admit that I see myself more of a mermaid as you can find me most weekends swimming in my local Lake (rain or shine) and so a land-based challenge is very foreign to me! I love walking but I am not sure if the team will be entertaining enough to make it as fun as it usually is with my dog. I want us to complete it so that we become an even stronger little unit in the office and therefore become even more productive in helping children around the world! Also, the charity we are raising money for is admirable as it helps people who really deserve it".
As a team we have a few more training sessions booked in until our set off date on 4th September and so will make sure we keep you up to date before the BIG day.
A banana for energy but also for a great picture!
Frederick's Foundation Registered Charity No. 1086562