Railway staff and friends pushed the Three Peaks by Rail fundraising challenge to new heights this June. Teams raised a phenomenal £200,000 for the charity, Railway Children.
One-hundred-and-seventy-six motivated mountaineers powered up Ben Nevis (1,134m), Snowdon (1,085m) and Scafell Pike (978m) in just over 36 hours, travelling between the mountains by special train.
Says keen climber Steve Featherstone, programme director track at Network Rail, ‘As usual, the Railway Children Three Peaks by Rail was a great event. The volunteer train crew looked after everybody superbly on the train and the organising team kept everybody safe at all times, in spite of some difficult weather and underfoot conditions on the mountains.
‘Congratulations to all of the teams for participating, and thanks to all for the camaraderie on both the train and on the mountains. Once the blisters and bruises have disappeared, we will all be left with the happy memories of the event and the knowledge that we made a difference for a very worthwhile cause.’
Cop at the Top
A team from British Transport Police (BTP) achieved the fastest time, completing the combined 11,200 feet of climbing in just 12 hours 53 minutes and 31 seconds. Teams from First TransPennine Express raised a remarkable £27,000 and were winners of the Three Peaks trophy for the top fundraising team. All the food and drink on the Three Peaks train was generously donated by various companies and the onboard bar made £1,600 on the journey home, with all proceeds donated to Railway Children.
Says Katie Mason, events manager for Railway Children, ‘The Three Peaks Challenge by train lived up to its unique billing in every respect, with participants pushed to the limits of their endurance, especially when they had to battle their way through thick snow to reach the summit of Ben Nevis.
‘Now in its 12th year, this challenge remains our biggest annual industry event. And the onboard crew, who are all volunteers, deserve much of the credit for its success, always preparing amazing food and refreshments that keep participants fuelled from start to finish.’
Fighting Fit
‘As well as being fighting fit, our teams had to battle the elements, thanks to the unpredictable British weather. Nevertheless, spirits remained high throughout, as we were delighted to be backing such a good cause,’ said Jenny Irish, proposals manager at Interfleet.
Some of the participants have long made the Three Peaks by Rail an annual commitment, for others it was their first time.
Says Paul Case, from Young Railway Professionals (YRP), ‘The guidance and support were outstanding. This is the third time I’ve done this challenge but the only time with Railway Children. This was by far the safest and most well organised three peaks challenge I’ve undertaken.’
To enter a team of four in next year’s Three Peaks Challenge in aid of Railway Children, please call Katie on 01270 757 596 or e-mail: katie.mason@ railwaychildren.org.uk.
