The Essex Mountain Rescue Team are delighted to achieve our goal of climbing the highest mountains of Scotland, England and Wales within 24 hours last weekend. Setting off from the Visitors Centre at the foot of Ben Nevis at 3.43 pm on Saturday afternoon, we made it back to the car park at Pen-y-Pass, Snowdonia with 24 minutes to spare.

In between was 23 hours and 36 minutes of hard work, determination, bravery and team work as the team dealt with all the problems we faced and came out winners. Even before we left Essex to head north Russell Griffiths, after weeks of hard training, had to drop out at the last moment because of sickness.

On Ben Nevis, the 9 walkers were faced with strong winds, occasional rain and swirling low cloud on the upper half of the mountain with snow lying in patches along their route. It was no surprise that the team set off for the Lake District 5 minutes behind schedule and it was thanks to the skills of drivers, John Reeve and Peter Shields that the team set off up the lower slopes of Scafell Pike in the dark at 3.10 am – 15 minutes ahead of plan.

As dawn arrived, the second climb turned into the toughest of them all, wet and slippery under foot, cloud and mist from the valley side hampering visibility and steep climbs to contend with, just when body clocks were calling for bed and sleep. First, Gary Thompson and then Tony Easter found the gruelling conditions and pace too strong and courageously decided to turn back rather than hold up the team. On the treacherous descent, Neil Laker twisted his knee and bravely managed it back to the vehicle but was unable to continue. The team had extended their ‘lead’ to 30 minutes and this was to be crucial as they headed south at 6.50am and their third country and third mountain.

The roads of North Wales were busy with tourists and day trippers on Sunday morning but the advantage was maintained and in the best weather of the weekend, the 6 intrepid walkers started out up the Pig Track at 11.50 am. As they climbed, the weather continued to improve and as they reached the summit, they enjoyed the fantastic views across North Wales as well as the satisfaction of achieving their goal.

Team leader, Ian Williams, Clive Hopgood, Richard Little and Brian King as well as Chris and Tom Reeve from West Yorkshire completed the challenge but all 10 walkers, the 2 drivers plus supporters Caroline Williams and Sandra Reeve were part of a great team. The team were raising money for to help teenagers and young adults with leukaemia. The team expect to raise over £5000 and would like to thank everyone for their sponsorship. But it's not too late to sponsor us now

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