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Weekend of 23rd-25th June 2000 A Fundraising Event in aid of The Neurofibromatosis (Nf) Association Organised by UK Outdoor Pursuits the aim of the challenge was to ascend each of the highest peaks in England, Scotland and Wales all within a 36 hour period, and at the same time raise significant funds for the Nf Association. |
Stephen successfully achieved the challenge in approximately 35 exhausting hours, at times in atrocious weather conditions.
Thanks to many generous sponsors a total of £481 was raised.
I received a letter from the NF Association dated 14th November 2000. Up to that point they had received £132000 in sponsorship money, but still had at least £50000 outstanding. That £50000 represents a year's total research budget, I hope everybody has paid up by now.
On the evening of 22nd June 2000 approximately 1200 people of varying ages and levels of fitness set off from all parts of the UK heading for Llanberis at the foot of Snowdon in North Wales, and the start of the 3 Peaks Challenge. I knew it was going to be hard, but didn't really appreciate just how hard. Overall I would not describe it as an enjoyable experience, most of the time it was a case of trying to survive and make it to the next summit. Having achieved it though the warm glow of satisfaction reminds me that I came through a pretty tough examination physically and mentally. There were a couple of occasions when I was on the verge of quitting but something drove me on. Most walkers were taking part for the first time, it's not the sort of thing you'd generally want to do again. The last time I'd attempted anything like this was back in 1995 when I did the Lyke Wake Walk, 40 miles across the North Yorkshire Moors in 16 hours, I wouldn't do that again either. I guess people either realise their limitations or move on to different challenges. Bring on the next challenge. The Challenge |
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