Taunton Team Tackle Three Peaks!

10 June 2009

Category: Central Services

Taunton Team Reach Dizzying Heights!

Congratulations to the team from our Taunton office who successfully completed the Three Peaks Challenge in aid of the Children's Hospice South West and the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution.

Simon Derby, James Dennis, Alastair Deighton, Alex Johnston and Lucy Back began the climb at Ben Nevis at 08.55 on Saturday 6 June. According to Lucy: "Ben Nevis was particularly challenging due to the weather conditions which saw a steady rain fall turn to snow and near blizzard conditions at the top!"

Ben Nevis is about a 10 mile round trip and the team took 5 hours and 40 minutes to complete it. With a sense of humour still firmly intact, they regaled one of their colleagues with 'Climb Every Mountain' via the mobile on their descent!

Swift progress was made via four wheels to Scafell Pike to begin the next climb at 19.00. Blessed with kinder weather and fantastic views the climb was short but steep.  With rather treacherous terrain, the descent was slightly hampered by fading light but the team managed to complete the trip in 3 hours and 30 minutes before embarking on an overnight drive to Snowdon.

The third and final climb began in the early hours of Sunday morning (03.45 to be precise) with Snowdon providing the most challenging and varied terrain. Certain team members were beginning to feel the full effects of sore and aching limbs which were soon forgotten on arrival at the summit at 06.00.

The ensuing celebrations of moderate amounts of champagne vastly assisted the descent followed by a full (and much deserved) breakfast on arrival back at base.

The team took a total of 23 hours and nine minutes to complete the 25.5 miles and 11,500 foot ascent.

Spokeswoman for the team Lucy commented "We are delighted to have raised much needed funds for our two charities but I certainly wouldn't be looking to do that climb again!"