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My story

 
On 11th July I attempted the Three Peaks Challenge and I promised to let you know how I'd got on.  The short answer is 2½ peaks out of 3.  It was quite an eventful weekend for the 130 participants.  British Military Fitness, the organisers, described the weather as the most extreme that they have encountered on any of their 3 Peaks Challenges (in 10 years of running 2 challenges per year). We had brilliant (and unexpected) sunshine on Ben Nevis and rain, cloud and gusty winds on Snowdon but it was Scafell Pike in the middle where we came unstuck.  

After various delays coming down Ben Nevis, including being led down the wrong route on the lower section of the descent (ending up a mile from the car park), getting stuck in Open Golf traffic at Loch Lomond for about 45 minutes and diverting to Glasgow Airport to drop off a couple of dropouts from the group to which I’d been assigned, we could see the weather becoming more and more ominous as we approached the Lakes (and darkness).  I must admit that the goal of doing this all within 24 hours was already looking impossible at this point but as the minibus turned east towards Wasdale Head, the rain started lashing down and gale force winds picked up.  Nevertheless, our already depleted group (10 had become 8) set off up the mountain with another group, with more members falling by the wayside as we progressed (necessitating a relay of Mountain Leaders to escort them off the mountain).  The weather continued to go downhill as we went uphill until we had reached a point, just over half way up, where not only were we struggling to stand upright in the torrential rain and gales but the mist was descending.  The remaining people were asked whether they wanted to go on.  At that point it truly was the support of all my sponsors that kept me going and I elected to press on.  However, at this point the BMF organisers at “base camp” intervened over the radio and decided it was too unsafe for our little band to continue (and I’d vowed not to bother Wasdale Mountain Rescue remember) so we had to abandon our climb and slither back down the mountain, drenched to the skin and disappointed, although somewhat relieved if the truth be told.  If only we’d arrived at Scafell a couple of hours earlier, we could have made it to the top before the foullest weather closed in. 

On to North Wales and we had a slightly farcical tour around I don't know where while the minibus driver attempted to find the service station where the shift-change driver was waiting to take over.  By the time we reached Snowdon it was daylight but the weather had improved, which lifted our spirits.  The rain stopped completely when we reached the summit of Snowdon but the cloud didn’t lift until we were about half way down.  And yes, the train service was running by the time I reached the top but I resisted the temptation to hitch a ride back down.   

Am I glad I did it?  Yes, most definitely.  Would I consider doing it again?  Mmm, probably not unless it involved helicopter transport between mountains and a perfect weather forecast!  I will, however, return to Wasdale another time (in daylight) to enjoy the beauty of Wastwater, conquer Scafell Pike, see what it actually looks like and sit at the top contemplating what might have been… 

A sincere thank you to everybody who donated so generously to my fundraising efforts for the EllenorLions Hospices.  Your magnificent support really did give me a fillip when my resolve was waning.  Without it I would probably have given up at the prospect of the Friday night in a dormitory style youth hostel!  If you haven't already sponsored me, it's not too late! 

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: The Ellenor Lions Hospices gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

Sharon

Donation by Anonymous 28/07/09  

£30.00

Sharon, what a star you are - huge admiration - well done! Donation by Terry Rattray 21/07/09  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

It sounds like it was a bit of an epic - well done for putting in all that effort for the Hospice! Donation by Will L 19/07/09  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

Well done Shaz! Donation by Jules H 17/07/09  

£15.00 + £4.23 Gift Aid

Very well done! What a hero you are. Sorry I am a little late with my donation but I am nonetheless very pleased to support your chosen charity. Donation by Catherine Littmann 16/07/09  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

YOU ARE A STAR SHARON, VERY WELL DONE. Donation by KAREN HILL 16/07/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Sharon - hats off to you girl. What an effort! xx Donation by Kate Bosomworth 16/07/09  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

You are Brilliant in all respects. Donation by Caroline Butler 14/07/09  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Glad to see you survived the mountain lions! Donation by Richard 14/07/09  

£30.00 + £8.46 Gift Aid

Sharon, I hope you have recovered well enough so we can have a glass of Sussex wine. Well done Donation by Elia Cavagliotti 13/07/09  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

GO Sharon! You can do it! Donation by Euan Major 13/07/09  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Very best of luck Sharon. Leave the back pack full of bricks at home this time, an unladened climb will be sufficiently impressive. Alex Donation by Alex Hurst 09/07/09  

£30.00 + £8.46 Gift Aid

Good luck and don't forget to eat lots of mint cake! Donation by Alfred Wainwright 09/07/09  

£24.00 + £6.77 Gift Aid

What a challenge! Good luck - hope the weather is kind. Donation by Phoebe 07/07/09  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Good Luck Shazza, break a leg - well not literally....ah you know what I mean Donation by Eirian Jones 03/07/09  

£30.00 + £8.46 Gift Aid

good luck and go lady go Donation by Irene Owen 03/07/09  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

Well done you - and will you sponsor me for conquering three books in the foothills of s. Alps this w/e!? No.....shucks! Good luck x Donation by Olivia Hancock 01/07/09  

£30.00 + £8.46 Gift Aid

Rather you than me! Wandering around in Zambia is a soft option. Donation by William Drake 29/06/09  

£100.00

Best of luck ! Donation by Adam Wethered 29/06/09  

£100.00

Good luck Donation by paul gumm 28/06/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Hope you have a good headlamp and great weather. Best of luck Donation by George 26/06/09  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Best of luck Donation by Stephen Doherty 25/06/09  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Good luck from Saudi Arabia. Donation by Julie S. 24/06/09  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Best of luck Donation by Anonymous 23/06/09  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Bu toigh leam bracaist a ghabhail. Good luck!! Donation by Drew McNeil 23/06/09  

£30.00 + £8.46 Gift Aid

Thank goodness it's you rather than me! Wishing you all the best of luck. XX Donation by Andrew Bollon 23/06/09  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Donation by Anonymous 22/06/09  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

You'll do it. An extraordinary achievement. love Julie x Donation by Julie Baines 22/06/09  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

Ah dont worry Sharon it will be a piece of cake!!!!!! Good luck Donation by Alli 19/06/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Hi Sharon! I think you are mad but I admire you greatly. I can't imagine doing what you are planning. I really hope you suceed. Well done! Donation by Anne Knight 18/06/09  

£35.00 + £9.87 Gift Aid
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