Hi everyone! In July this year (2010) Beana Hill and I are attempting the Three Peaks Challenge. We will be climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon in the space of 24 hours (hopefully!) 

For the challenge I have chosen to support the Hospice of St. Francis, a charity in Berkhamsted which cares for patients with very serious or terminal illnesses. Founded in 1979 it now employs 65 nurses, six doctors and four therapists. The Hospice gives care to patients as well as providing respite care for relatives. It requires roughly £4 million a year to keep providing care and receives only 16% (£640,000) from NHS funding. As you can see, the Hospice relies on donations and fundraising, so any money that is used to sponsor us will be used to valuable effect.

Raising money for this hugely worthwhile cause will hopefully ensure that we can complete all Three Peaks. After hearing many stories from the attempts of others (and been warned of the very real possibility of walking down Scafell the wrong way and ending up miles away from the car) we are all feeling suitably terrified. It will be a huge test for all of us, but with no experience of climbing mountains and a general hatred  of walking, hills and rain I'm approaching the challenge with the classic Jeremy Clarkson quote, 'how hard can it be?' 

Thank you so much, StephXXX