Story
The challenge
Joey Willoughby-Rainsford, Monika Gill, Patrick McCann, Lars Stannard and Darren Smith are taking on 3 mountains in 3 days to raise money for Mind UK.
We'll be taking on Scafell Pike, (3,209 ft), Snowdon (3,560 ft) and Ben Nevis (4,409 ft) over the May Bank Holiday weekend.
Meet the team
Joey
Joey is an avid walker turned hiker convert. Hailing from leafy Hertfordshire, Joey is most at home in green and wild places.
It's been a dream for as long as I can remember to complete the National Three Peaks Challenge, and I'm so happy to be doing it to raise money for Mind.
Darren
Darren is a lover of the outdoors but he's not normally a hiker. He does enjoy a good team challenge and pushing himself for a good cause. Darren prepared by hiking up Maderia's Mountains, 16km+ walks around rugged terrain!
Im so proud to be attempting this for Mind. The group is fantastic and I can't wait to help each other achieve the Three Peaks Challenge.
Patrick
Patrick is a big fan of nature and the outdoors in general. Having lived in London his entire life, (although after this maybe not for much longer) hiking is a recent hobby that is a welcome and much needed change of scenery from the vibrant grey of London.
This is a bucket list, once in a lifetime kind of trip and couldn’t be doing it with a better bunch of people. I’m looking forward to the challenge and am glad that we are able to raise funds for a cause that I personally know and think we all, at some point in our lives, might benefit from.
Lars
Lars grew up hiking in the part of America where you could see the curvature of the Earth if you stared into the distance — the concept of climbing up a mountain was largely foreign to him until this challenge. He is expecting his legs to explode mid-hike, but he is thrilled to be raising money for a cause he deeply cares for.
He has been preparing for the 3 Peaks challenge by scurrying along coastal paths, walking the 4 miles home from work every few days, and jogging up and down the stairs of his apartment block — much to the bewilderment of his neighbours.
Monika
Monika is a fast-paced walker with a knack for getting lost (thanks to her questionable map-reading skills). She thrives on the thrill of discovering new places and unexpected adventures. Monika firmly believes that if others can do it, so can she, fueled primarily by a mix of delusion and determination. Known for her infectious energy, she’s the go-to person for an instant mood lift. With a vibrant spirit and a love for the great outdoors, Monika is ready to take on the Three Peaks Challenge one step at a time!
3 peaks, 3 days
4th Sept, we climb Ben Nevis (approx 8 hours to 12 hours).
5th Sept, we climb Scafell Pike (approx 3 to 4 hours).
6th Sept, we climb Snowdon (approx 5 to 7 hours).
We are taking on this epic challenge to raise money for Mind UK.
Mind UK
We give advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. We campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
Please support our adventure by donating to Mind UK and helping us reach our target.