Thank you for visiting my fundraising page.

Here's my record of the Challenge (updated 20 June 2008) following our attempt which took place on 17 June 2008:

I am part of a 4 man team who attempted the Three Peaks Challenge. This involved climbing the highest mountain in Scotland (Ben Nevis) followed by the highest in England (Scafell Pike) finishing with the highest in Wales (Snowdon). The Challenge was to climb all three “peaks” and drive between them all in an overall time of 1 day - ie 24 hours from start to finish.

Apart from the logistics of getting ourselves to and from the various locations (a total of 470 miles apart) there was the small matter of the climbing -- which was the equivalent of climbing your stairs at home 1,100 times up and then back down over a distance of a full London marathon - 26 miles.

The weather reports showed a cold front moving down the country from Scotland through the north of England and into north Wales that exactly matched our timetable. Ideally we would have liked to change the date of our challenge but the van and hotel bookings were set. So we started at 5pm on Tuesday 17th June at the foot of Ben Nevis in the rain. Despite the rain we reached the summit of Ben Nevis slightly ahead of time and got back down and into the van for the drive to Scafell Pike ahead of schedule (4.75hrs). It proved difficult to sleep in the van and we had to take a detour because the Loch Lomond road was closed all night for road works.

We got to the start of Scafell Pike at 4.30am and started the climb in the rain. This mountain proved to be the toughest, it felt like it was never going to end, but we still managed to complete it on time and were back on the road at 8.30am (4hrs).

We reached Snowdon just before 1pm giving us the four hours we needed to complete the climb and the challenge. It looked like we had beaten the weather too and started off on our last leg in light rain. We had managed lunch and some sleep on the journey down and all felt we had more energy, the target was in sight. Initially we progressed well and made very good time, so much in fact that we thought we would have time to spare at the end of the challenge.

However, our luck turned and the rain started to get heavier. This we could have dealt with but then the wind increased to gale force levels. Still we pressed on ahead, crouching down when the gusts smashed into us. One of the team was blown ten foot across the rocks at one point which forced us to stop and consider our position. The rain was getting heavier (later the weather on Snowdon made the TV News with reports that 50mm of rain had fallen in high winds)many waterfalls had appeared as we climbed and the wind gusted stronger each time forcing us to stop and hang onto the mountain.

Stopping was a really tough decision that we did not want to take as we were so close (within 700ft of the summit). Unfortunately it was too dangerous, the wind was already extremely strong on the sheltered part of the path we were on and it would be much stronger on the top where it was more exposed.

With huge regret we decided to turn back, cold and every inch of us soaked through to the skin, still battling through the elements to get back to the van. When we did arrive it was on time, if it hadn’t been for the wind we would have reached the final peak. Our support team had been sitting in the van while it was blown about by the wind expecting the worst. When they saw us arrive they were thankful that we all made it in one piece.

I took part in this challenge in memory of my sister Debie who was taken by breast cancer well before her time in 2006 aged 41. Losing Debie was the most traumatic experience for Debie’s husband and young boys, my parents and my family. Our MacMillan Nurse guided, supported and made sure Debie was as comfortable as possible throughout that terrible time. She also helped all her close family to understand what was happening and what would happen at each stage so we could prepare ourselves and support Debie as best as possible.

MacMillan Cancer Support provides an amazing and compassionate service helping people through their worst nightmare. I don’t know how we would have coped without them; it takes a special sort of person to do the job they do.

I was extremely touched by the donations you made which added to my determination; they gave me a huge sense of responsibility to complete the challenge. Although we did not reach the final summit (we are going to go back and nail it soon) because of the extreme winds, we did complete our task in all other respects.

Three unfit 45 – 47 year olds started training at Christmas; met regularly to speed climb the hills at Butser near Petersfield; planned the trip; hired a camper van; booked hotels; bought all sort of new kit (boots, water proofs etc – Ps we found that there is no such thing as a water PROOF!); drove miles and fully committed ourselves to the challenge.

If you feel that we did not complete the challenge as we set out to do and would like your donation refunded please do contact me on 07885 998 615 and I will arrange for a refund to you.

About the Team

I joined Dave Robbins (who has driven and organised this challenge), his son Oli and Chris Moss. I have known Dave and Chris since our training at Sulzer Bros UK many years ago. Karen Townsend (Dave’s partner), along with Terry and Pat Dyer (her Parents) were our “support crew” doing all the navigating, driving, feeding etc.

If you have read this for the first time and feel that what we have achieved deserves a donation and you would like to pledge something this web site will allow you to do that. If you would to send money by way of post then please send a cheque (made payable to “Macmillan Cancer Support”) addressed to me at:-

12 Elan Court
Kings Worthy
Winchester
Hants SO23 7LN

Here’s what Justgiving say about how to donate:

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Macmillan Cancer Support gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

Thank you for your support

Kindest Regards

Derek