NET takes on Three Peaks Challenge

Eight intrepid NET staff took on the 3 peaks challenge in aid of ‘the railway children’ charity. Travelling on a special chartered train in-between the highest mountains in Wales (Snowdon), England (Scafell Pike) and Scotland (Ben Nevis), they had just 36 hours to complete the three mountains!

What a trip! Weather was glorious, train and event organisation were also superb.   So, how did they do?

Snowdon

Everyone got to the top, apart from Ray who rested about 15 mins from the top, but put in a stirling effort.

Scafell Pike

Everyone managed the 5 mile walk to the mountain (rather pointless we all thought) although unfortunately injuries meant that only five of the eight reached the top.

Ben Nevis

Ray and Tony reached 500m up, Colin/Claire/Sinead reached 800m up and Steve, Anthea and Lee reached the top. Overall three team members (Lee, Anthea and Steve) completed all the mountains and all team members achieved at least 2/3 of the distance.

Nobody dropped out prematurely and those who had to, kept going until it became patently obvious that they weren't going to reach the summit AND get the train. The three who got to the top of the Ben Nevis only just made it with 10 minutes to spare!

The staff that took part included two of the company’s senior engineers Sinead Scott and Anthea Antonio as well as operations manager Ray Harris, duty manager Lee Hall and marketing manager Colin Lea.

After weeks of training, preparation and fundraising the team went for it and have raised well over £2,000 for this important charity which makes contact with runaway and abandoned children as they arrive at railway stations, when they are most at risk from adult exploitation. By joining with other street children projects, ‘the railway children’ provides children with protection and support through counselling, education, healthcare, shelter and friendship.

Very tiring and painful, although thoroughly enjoying, the event raised over £100,000 for the railway children charity - thank you to all who sponsored us.

Day One - Thursday June 23rd

• 19:00 depart London Euston
• 21:30 pick up at Crewe
• 23:30 arrive Bangor (North Wales)

Day Two - Friday June 24th

• 01:00 climb Snowdon
• 06:00 depart Bangor
• 12:00 arrive Ravenglass (Lake District)
• 13:00 climb Scafell Pike
• 20:00 depart Ravenglass

Day Three - Saturday June 25th

• 05:00 arrive Fort William
• 06:00 climb Ben Nevis
• 13:00 depart Fort William for Crewe
• 23:30 arrive London

Snowdon

The total ascent is 725m (2381ft) from Pen y Pass, with the summit standing at 1085m (3560ft). From the start to the summit the distance is approximately 4 miles (6.4km). Total walk: 8 miles.

Scaffel Pike

After a 'gentle' 4.5 mile walk over rolling countryside, it's then 2.5 miles to the top.  This makes a round trip of 9.5 miles even though Scafell Pike is the smallest of the three mountains at 977m (3206ft).

Ben Nevis

Ben Nevis is 1344m (4409ft) high and involves 1325m (4347ft) of climbing from the Hostel, which is 30m above sea level. The distance from the start to the summit is approximately 4.75 miles (7.6km). Total walk: 9.5 miles.

Total height gained: 3027m (9934 ft). Total distance: 27 miles.

If you would like to support the NET team, you can donate online at: www.justgiving.com/tram

If you are interested in finding out more about the three peaks challenge,or The Railway Children please visit: www.railwaychildren.org.uk/peaks/

 

Many thanks for your support.

Colin and Claire Lea
Ray Harris
Sinead Scott
Anthea and Tony Antonio
Steve Barber
Lee Hall