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2010 is my 40th Year of youthfullness (stop laughing.........) and there really is no better way than to celebrate it by doing a Challenge that will be memorable and at the same time shared with close Friends % Family.

The 3 Peaks Challenge 2010 May 15th

Our challenge involves 26 miles of ascent and descent on the 3 Highest Peaks in the UK, Ben Nevis in Scotland, Scafell Pike in England and Snowdon in Wales, over 765 kilometres (475 miles) of driving and all within 24 hours.

I have invited close friends and family to the challenge and at the same time we have chosen 2 Charities that are close to challenge members, Phil & Jeremys' hearts, mine too, also a local charity in Weston-super-Mare that is personally close to members of the team including myself. Both Charities are amazing for what they do medically, financially and in such support for family that need help and back-up during times of need, sometimes lengthy periods of support so, Please please please take the time to find out more about The MPS and see how greatfull they would be for every pound raised online or through our sponsorship forms provided.

The MPS Society celebrates the MPS awareness Day on the actual day we begin our 3 Peaks challenge, 15th May 2010. Perfect Timing!

When finding out that our neighbour and friends Phil & Yvonnes' little boy 'Archie' was poorly it makes you think just how precious family is, having the MPS support from specialists, diagnosis to long term treatment has given Phil, Yvonne and the whole family a chance to deal with matters and give 'Archie' the best in life a little boy with MPS can have. He is doing well and is a shining beacon to our Challenge.

We are all in training........well, most of us!!! Running twice a week, sometimes power walking, it all helps with our overall fitness levels. Weston-super-Mare and Cardiff will be fed-up of the sight of runners I'm sure but bear with us ;-)

As I have explained to everyone within the team, our challenge is somewhat dependent on many factors, our fitness, the weather and the traffic. Driving over 475 miles within the challenge time of 24 hours and a total excess mileage of 990+ miles for the whole weekend is tiresome to say the least which is why I'm delighted to have Louise Statter in the team as a dedicated driver once the challenge begins, giving the team members crucial rest/sleep time and a major boost to us completing within the 24 hours.

If anyone would like to fill in the role of our 2nd Vehicle please contact me A.S.A.P

The Team

Jason Smith/Phil Pearson/Nick Smith/James Fisher/Paul Davies/Martin Davis/Pete Skilton/Jeremy Palmer/Louise Statter

Our latest Team members to join the mad hatters 3 Peak Challenge lot are James Fisher of Prodeck-fixing and Jeremy Palmer from Cardiff. Jim Fisher is a good friend of mine and Jeremy is close family of Phil's, both are greatfully welcomed into the Team.

Tomorrow 5th March will be 10 weeks before we set-off, so week by week I shall be updating the JustGiving page to let all know how things are progressing.

The Latest News 7th March 2010

We have unfortunately lost a team member, Leighton Smith who has family commitments on the challenge weekend therefore we are down to 9 members but potentially 10 with another dedicated driver.

Recent training has gone well with more mileage under our belts and sponsorship coming in from as far away as Canada! Thanks James, Amanda & family, also, congrats on your wonderful recent news. A big thank you to Geoff Body who is closely linked to The Teresa Fund for donating finances towards my trip costs and sponsoring Louise our driver for her B&B on the Friday.

I look forward to contacting everyone in the coming weeks with more news and looking at the recent forecasts on Nevis there may still be alot of snow on the peaks as previously seen in May 2009, congratulations to Kate Silverton and the corageous Phil Packer who have both completed the 3 Peaks challenge in aid of Sport Relief, despite Blizzards and extreme adverse weather conditions both managed to successfully complete the arduous task. Inspirational news for the team for our forthcoming challenge. Please take a few minutes out of your day to read the great work of the MPS and we all hope you'll sponsor the team a few quid.

Archie is now 2 years old and is the pride and joy of Yvonne and Phil. Since birth, he has had a rare and debilitating disease known as MPS 6 - a genetic and degenerative illness. The side effects of this condition can be extreme, however Archie is undergoing pioneering treatment known as Enzyme Replacement Therapy (ERT). Archie and his parents have significant support from the MPS Charity and without their funding, advice and support, the lives of Yvonne and Phil and other similarly affected families would be made that much harder.

The Latest News 16th March 2010

Training has been going extremely well, Phil has just clocked-up his first hour of running, ascending and descending hillwork with myself. Nick has a niggling injury but is working out on the weights and rowing machine. Jeremy is hitting the roads and hills in Cardiff and James has been spotted on the Mendip hills recently! So, with less than 9 weeks to go it's looking great. Keep up the great work lads.

Phil and Yvonne had some great news last week as Archie is showing great progress through his treatment program and he continues to impress the Doctors which is uplifting for everyone.

Update News 21st March 2010

How time flys, with less than 8 weeks to go the challenge is fast approaching. It's been a progressive week as we've kindly had a GPS Garmin etrex donated to the team to use during the 3 peaks from a family member Steve Moody, thanks go out to Steve who wishes all the Challenge team the best of luck. 

Well, another Sunday and another long run tonight, clocking-up some long distances now and also including alot of hill work, not forgetting to break-in the walking boots during the week. Earlier today was the Sport Relief mile which I would have loved to have taken part in but due to work commitments and other training for a certain challenge I was unable to take part, after watching Eddie Izzards amazing 43 marathons in 50 days, over 1,000 miles around the UK the 'Marathon Man' Izzard was unbelievably inspiring, someone who had NOT run before, was NOT a previous Sportsman or 'Sports Cross Dresser' but someone who was and is totally unbelievable, the commitment, will power and pure drive, mind over matter to continue through pain barrier after pain barrier, Eddie Izzard will now go down as a personal Iconic charity fundraiser for me that should and will receive the highest accolade in Sporting achievements and hopefully commended by HRH in the future, not for his personal gains but for his personal pains and of course for 'Sport Relief' fundraising. After texting 'EDDIE to 70005' It was warming to know that I had pledged a £5 donation but I would rather had ran the Sport Relief Mile in person.

Our 3 peaks Challenge is not as awe inspiring in terms of mileage or gaining sporting respect for our time in completing (IF COMPLETED) but if we can spread the message of the great charities Nationally of the MPS and local charity in Weston-super-Mare the Teresa Fund then we have achieved something more great and amazing than completing the 3 peaks challenge in less than 24 hours itself. Yes, it is our personal goal but also achieving our main goal of raising funds and spreading the word of these great Charities.

It's also great to know that someone will be filming the 3 Peaks challenge for one of the UK's Top Extreme Sports Reviews Websites www.solsteerin.com who are also taking part in the challenge with Sports Website co-owner Pete Skilton. The website team review all Extreme Sporting activities and Extreme Sports Equipment, ours is not quite Mount Everest, one of the most recent reviews on the website but certainly the 3 peaks will be more fun. One thing I do hope works is the GPS, especially in the dark!

One last thing............we're still looking for a 2nd dedicated driver!!!

23rd March 2010

Please find a write-up regarding our local charity 'The Teresa Fund' who provide great back-up and finance raised for many great needs as explained. We have sent out sponsorship forms for the charity to help raise toward both charities named.

Teresa Fund

Whilst caring agencies are able to meet the needs of many of those with learning and other disabilities their resources are constrained by funding limitations and other such factors.  Inevitably there will always be special and individual circumstances which cannot be fully covered by the wider caring establishment.

For many years an organisation called Caring Companions existed to make a contribution to filling this gap in the area.  Although no longer functioning, part of its role is carried on in a modest and informal way by a small group of former members working together as The Teresa Fund.

The Teresa Fund operates in memory of carer Teresa Haynes and former children’s social worker Sheila Body.

The Teresa Fund operates in the very simplest way and without the burden of administrative costs or overheads.  We undertake no publicity and our funds come from a wide variety of informal sources ranging from club, group and private donations to quiz nights and benefiting from sponsored sporting events.

Our core aim is to use the money raised to support, where appropriate, children and young people with disabilities living in and around .  With the help of professional advice we endeavour to provide supplementary resources that will assist and enhance their day-to-day lives.  We have been able, for example, to provide loan equipment, modern communication aids, ramps, physiotherapy items and special wheelchairs.

Our modest level of activity is operated to high standards and in full conjunction with professional carers. 

Suzie Giacich 
Email: giacich@btinternet.com
 
Sue Godfrey

Email:godfrey@baymead.freeserve.co.uk

Telephone: 07986 985721

31st March 2010

Winter shows it's last hand?? Just when we think we are well into Spring with warmer weather, Winter bites back with a vengeance with more heavy snow across Scotland and Wales, the Ben Nevis webcam showing Blizzard like conditions today and Mount Snowdon webcam with snow falling and ice on the screen, it seems as though the challenge will be more extreme with snow on Ben Nevis and possibly on Snowdon as in previous May climbs, possibly more snow than in the past 30 years. 2 feet of snow has been forecast for the lower regions of Scotland and drifting snow at higher levels over the next 48 hours. Iwill be assessing the need for crampons for everyone closer to the challenge date once we get the some warmer weather again.

Training has proceeded well with everyone, unfortunately we've had some news from Pete Skilton of Solsteerin.com that he was injured on the weekend during an Extreme Sports Coasteering review in Cornwall, Pete twisted his back on a cliff jump and will be side-lined for a few weeks, get well soon mate and hopefully we will know more in a fortnight or so if Pete is still able to make the 3 Peaks challenge?

Our Media newsletter is being drafted as I type and it will be sent to both charities prior to the local and regional media regarding the charities causes and great work they undertake each and everyday. I'm hoping that the Weston Somerset Mercury, Bristol Evening Post and Western Daily Press will give us some good coverage for both charities and our challenge attempt.

Thanks go out this week to NK Sports, a Sports Store in Weston-super-Mare Somerset who have kindly donated sports drinks and offered to stitch our kindly donated by MPS T-Shirts that will have names and sponsors logos on reverse. They are currently undergoing a layout design for logos and stitching etc. Nacknames on the T-Shirts seemed unappropriate 'Chewbacca' and 'Fatboy' seemed a bit personal to me and Phil :-) therefore christian names it is!! Honestly...........

All eyes on the weather once this weekend has past, so 'Happy Easter' everyone and look forward to keeping you upto date over the coming weeks.

Wow, how time flys!! Just over 30 days til the challenge begins!! More bad news unfortunately with losing another member of the team. Pete Skilton of Solsteerin Extreme Sports has not been able to recover from his twisted back and is still having treatment, therefore Pete and I thought it best to concentrate on getting his back sorted professionally and that involves total rest with no training. We all wish Pete a speedy recovery.

So, we are now down to 7 members and our dedicated driver Louise, lets hope the rest of the team stay fit and injury free during training and work. It's a relief to see Scotland receiving some long awaited double figured temperatures this weekend after such a long long Winter, Scotland having one of its harshest Winters in decades.

On a Great note, Little Archies treatment has continued to go well, Phil's commitment to training and his work schedule is amazing, I certainly hope for all the teams sake we have a good bit of luck on the weather during the challenge, it will certainly help us all from all the training and input everyone has is totally dedicated.

A small ode to our Challenge!

'With all of our Equipment together

And plans that have taken some weeks

We'll soon be on our Way

To tackle The National 3 Peaks

You can climb them in any order

armed with maps, compass and whistle

We are heading North of the Border

Driving to the land of the Thistle

The first Mountain we have to conquer

to test the fitness of women and men

Is The highest climb of them all

To reach the summit of The Ben

For the route to the Top of Ben Nevis

we'll be taking the Tourist Track

the easiest route up there

And it won't take long to get back

We will be up and down Ben Nevis

Just see how long that it takes

Before we are back in Fort William

And heading on down to The Lakes

We'll then be leaving Ben behind us

filled with anticipation we are alike

To go and climb the next mountain

And reach the summit of Scafell Pike

For the next stage of our mission

We'll be leaving from Wasdale Head

It is a quick and scenic route up there

At least that is what is said?

Then with Scafell Pike now completed

And all safely back down to our base

We'll be on our final stage of our journey

Heading down to the land of the Dragon

For the route to the summit of Snowdon

We'll take the Pyg or the Miners Path

And our legs now tired and aching

We'll think of a nice soak in the bath

Then all safely back to Pen-y-Pass

There is one thing we must do

That is give a special thank you

To our Driver and back-up crew

Then thank God it'll be safely completed

And it was not just all a dream

But what made it all possible

Was the help of our Back-up Team'!

Many Thanks go out to Geoff Whittaker and Brian Smailes for the ode and The Official 3 Peaks Walk Challenge Guide. Without this perfect pocket guide our planning will have taken much longer and it's full of some great tips.

19th April 2010

Less than 4 weeks to go now, all eyes on next weekends London Marathon and complications with flying restrictions currently in place due to the volcanic ash from the Icelandic Volcano. Lets hope the BIG Sister Kakla doesn't wake up or we'll be doing all 3 peaks in complete darkness ;-)

Many thanks to everyone who has sponsored us, the team cannot thank you enough, your support is giving us all determination to successfully complete the challenge in May.

Our Press release write-up is going out this week and I will hopefully have a link or 2 going direct to the newspapers that release our challenge story. Our T-Shirts have arrived, Phil and Yvonne, Archies parents have been helping design them with a sponsored logo or 2 on the back, personally we went for Archies design with our names on the backs and logos. Photos to follow soon.

Training has continued to go reasonably well, long distance running is gruelling! (One for Phil) and I know Nick smith has ventured over to the Devon coastline this weekend to break-in some new walking boots, lets hope there's no blisters? Jim Fisher is stuck in Spain, on the Islands of Majorca due to the flight ban, he says he's been doing a few extra lengths in the swimming pool................I bet!! Paul Davis has been hitting the streets of Weston, I did see him personally last week..................but that was in a pub training his right arm with a pint glass ;-)

Nice to see the temperatures creeping up here in the UK, although snow is forecast again for the highlands of Scotland and snow is clearly visible still on the Ben Nevis webcam. Come the 14th May when we travel up to Nevis we're certainly hoping for bright skies and sunshine.

25th April 2010

Congratulations to everyone who made the 26.2 miles today at the Virgin London Marathon. Watching the runners today on the BBC, I must confess that I wish I was taking part in my 5th Marathon, still hoping to achieve a sub-4 Hour which maybe, just maybe, I can achieve before I'm too old to even run let alone that distance. It's not the 26.2 miles but the training leading up to the day itself, dedication and total commitment, dark and cold nights, long weekend runs and painful Mondays at work recovering.

Another congratulations must go out to Phil, Yvonne and the family who have rallied with their amazing achievements on the sponsorship with Just Giving. With our totals already exceeding our online ambitions its great to see such support from all friends and family. Lets hope it continues and we all raise a fantastic amount.

We have had various sponsors for the challenge that have helped with numerous things from printing, sporting equipment and commitments to take up the challenge itself.

NK Sports 'Sports Store in Weston-super-Mare'

Prodeck-Fixing 'Metal Decking Company'

JS Website Designs 'Website Designers in Weston-super-Mare'

Well, we're hoping for a write-up next week in the local press!! Anything published I shall try and add a link or two.

2 Weeks today and we'll be on our way UP!!!!! Can't believe where the time has gone..............Just had a text to say that Jeremy from our team has got engaged!!!! Congratulations Jer's and Helen, a champagne celebration when we see you on 14th! Also, on the 14th it's Nick Smith's Birthday, the BIG 40............Again, so we'll be celebrating 2 special occasions during our drive upto Scotland.

Amazing to see Phil Packer complete the London Marathon in a record time, despite his disabilities, he rises to every occasion, the dedication, the training and proving the medics wrong time and time again. Excellent.

After a glorious spell of recent weather with temperatures in the 20c's for the first time this year, unfortunately we're back to the traditional April/May showers and below average temperatures with more rain forecast in Scotland and snow over the Highlands, I think our poles and possible crampons may be needed but we shall assess on arrival at Glen Nevis camp.

THANK-YOU to everyone who has been helping with our Sponsorship, Louise Statter has done fantasticly well, Phil and Yvonne, Jeremy, family and friends, thank-you. Despite exceeding our on-line goal we are hoping to raise a total exceeding £1,500 and possibly £2,000, who knows maybe even £5000 but whatever the amount our gratitude to each and every sponsor. The raised funds will be used for great causes with The MPS and Teresa Fund, medical help for children like Archie, Phil told me how much it costs for Archie's treatment every week, I was gob smacked! It certainly makes you realise that without fundraising and sponsors the charities and more importantly the health of each recipient would be effected. So, keep up the great work everyone, it's giving each of the team a BIG lift knowing that you are all behind this Challenge, every step of the way!!!

8th May 2010

It's awful news to hear of the death of a hill walker and climber such as that on Saturday and another 2 weeks ago, Snowdon, Nevis and Scafell can be dangerous anytime of the year and it has shocked the team prior to our challenge this weekend. It's hard to explain to loved ones and friends that we will be safe regardless of the risks, high altitude can have effects on anyone and hearing the sad news a few days before has certainly upset a few friends and family but it would not be a challenge if it was easy. Mr Ap Gwent who died was a Head Teacher and a much loved member of his School and Community and I hope in years to come there will be a team challenge organised in his area in memory of Mr ap gwent himself. During the 3 peaks we will certainly be thinking of the many people that have given more than time to such great causes and of course our family and friends that have given us superb support over the past few weeks with sponsorship, help and advice.

On Sunday I received a phone call asking if we had 2 dedicated drivers, at that moment in time we only had Louise Statter who is has moved heaven and earth preparing for the challenge. Jack Edgar, a long time friend of mine and well known Weston community member has offered to be our 2nd driver. FANTASTIC news and a BIG help for the remainder of the group, knowing we can get some valuable rest between the mountains.

13th May 2010

Well, 48 hours to go and all eyes are on the weather which is beginning to favour us at last. The reports of reasonably deep snow on the summit of Nevis is expected due to the -5 temperatures and the amount of rain Scotland has had. Last minute equipment checks and e-mails on Facebook requesting sponsorship and organising our Local radio Station Star FM 107.7 to call us during the challenge and explain the reasons behind it. We are all slightly nervous now, after many months of organising, planning and training, it all boils down to 24 hours of timing, fitness, weather and will power!!

Thanks for visiting our Sponsorship page, I certainly hope you've enjoyed reading just what we've been up to over the past few months and will check back again soon to see how things have gone this weekend! Fingers crossed, 23 hours 59 minutes and 59 seconds will do us just fine :-)

17th MAY 2010

It is with GREAT PLEASURE to let everyone know that we managed to achieve 23 hours and 35 minutes for the 3 Peaks Challenge!! Our time would have been quicker but we got lost on Scafell Pike as most challengers seem to do. More importantly also, we all made it back safely after a few minor trips, falls, scrapes and much stress and tension at times, the Team made it safely.

A HUGE  & MASSIVE THANKS go to our support and Back-up Team of Louise Statter and Jack Edgar as without them at the wheel and having Hot Food, Drinks and a smiling face at the end of each mountain we would never had been able to successfully complete it. A Total of 1,265 miles was achieved from Weston-super-Mare to Scotland, then onto the Lake District in England and onto Snowdonia in Wales, finally a return journey back to Weston. Each of us cannot stress the success of our time is down to Louise & Jack, THANK YOU!!

There's alot to be said about Sat Navs, Gps and climbing Mountains!! Good & Bad!

Each and every one of us will take something from this challenge, spiritually and mentally, a group joined together for the good of chairty and personal challenges, the year of my 40th Birthday will be remembered forever and I'd like to say a personal thanks to each and every person that has made it possible. My wife Sarah xx, Phil & Yvonne Pearson, Jeremy and Helen Palmer To Be:-), Nick & Dawn Smith, Martin and Carol Davies, Paul Davies and Ally, Louise & Guy Statter, Jack & Jill Edgar, Jim & Donna Fisher, Neil Keeling of NK Sports (Thank you) and to each and every sponsor and most especially Archie Pearson, Sheila Body and Teresa Haynes for giving us the Inspiration to attempt our Challenge in the first place!!

I shall post our Final raised amounts in the coming days and at the moment it looks like we have in excess of £2,500 between the charities. The Justgiving webpage will stay open for a few weeks yet so more may be donated post event.

Special thanks must go out to Geoff Body for all his support and sponsorship, also to a great sponsor amount from Locking Road 24 hour Petrol Station owner Laurence Haring...........yes.........23 hours and 35 minutes and all that time to spare for the photos!!

A quick thank you also to someone the team met on Mount Snowdon yesterday, a man called Paul Byrne who was out walking his dog Sasha, Paul who was inspired with our explanation of MPS sufferers, The Teresa Fund and the rarity of Archies illness itself, Paul said he had noticed us running up the mountain and passing him when running down, Paul made a donation on the spot, we didn't know him he was simply having a holiday in Wales with his beloved pet dog Sasha.

Thank you.

No matter what goes on in the world, someone or something can make you think twice about the life we all live, the steps we choose and the friends and family around us but as the Challenge itself was not about our achievements but raising the awareness and in aid of great people who have left a memory in our lives. This Challenge will be with me forever and I personally cannot Thank you all enough! It was a Pleasure ;-)

Best Wishes

Jason