Taking on the UK 3 Peaks challenge for Family Fund

This month, four university friends took on the UK 3 Peaks challenge in support of Family Fund. Their goal? To climb the highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales – Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Yr Wyddfa/Snowdon – all within 24 hours, raising money to help families raising disabled or seriously ill children.

Meet the team

Laurence, Cormac, Max and Tom wanted to do something extraordinary together. With their dads kindly stepping in to handle the long drives and logistics, the friends were able to focus on the walking (and the rain, mud and mountains ahead!).

Supported by Gill from our fundraising team – and proudly kitted out in Family Fund t-shirts and water bottles – the group had already raised over £1,500 before they even set off.

Ben Nevis – starting strong

The challenge kicked off on Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain at 1,345 metres. Setting out in the late afternoon, things didn’t go quite as planned: one team member was forced to turn back with food poisoning. With the support team stepping in to help, the other three powered on through the rain and cloud to reach the summit just under three hours later.

But the setbacks weren’t over. Another climber, who is diabetic, experienced a spike in blood sugar levels on the descent and made the difficult but sensible decision to sit out the next mountain.

Scafell Pike – climbing by torchlight

After a long night drive south, the team reached Scafell Pike in the early hours. In heavy rain and darkness, they began the climb by torchlight. Progress was strong, but illness once again forced one climber to turn back. The remaining two pushed through the mud and wet to summit successfully – though not without a painful knee injury that made the final stage uncertain.

Yr Wyddfa/Snowdon – the final push

With little sleep, tough weather and a ticking clock, the friends arrived in Wales for the final peak. By now, it was clear the 24-hour target wasn’t realistic – safety had to come first. Two climbers, including the diabetic team member now recovered, set off and successfully reached the top. The other two, rested and restored, hiked partway to meet them on the descent, meaning the challenge was completed together as a team.

An incredible achievement

All three peaks were summited in just over 24 hours – a huge achievement given the illness, injuries and awful weather they faced. Most importantly, the group showed brilliant mountain sense, putting safety first and supporting each other every step of the way.

By the end of the challenge, they’d raised almost £2,500 including Gift Aid – an amazing total that will help us support even more families raising disabled or seriously ill children.

Inspired to take on your own challenge?

From climbing mountains to baking cakes or running a quiz night, there are so many ways you can make a difference. If you’re thinking of taking on your own fundraising challenge, our friendly fundraising team would love to hear from you: [email protected].