3 Peaks, 3 Countries, 3 Noble Maniacs & 1 Great Cause

We recently informed you of a plan for three brave souls to tackle the three tallest mountains in England, Scotland & Wales as quickly as possible, do all the driving themselves, and sleep rough in a Simplify IT van - all to raise money for charity. Well, here now follows the account of those brave souls and their arduous travails...

Thursday 7th October 2021. With noble intent and plenty of fundraising done, the 3 adventurers (Matt Beacham, Neil Reynolds and Lee Rogers) set out from the relative flatlands of Shakespeare's County on the long drive to Ben Nevis. Arriving at The Ben Nevis Inn at 10pm, and after a crafty pint, the team set up temporary beds in the back of the Simplify IT van and settled in for the night.

Ben Nevis - The Tallest Mountain in the British Isles (4,413 feet)

At daft o'clock - or if you like, the ungodly hour of 3am - the team woke, had a quick breakfast and at 0420 hrs began their ascent up Ben Nevis. The weather was really poor, it was dark and they were above the cloud layer for most of the day. At the summit, the very roof of Great Britain, visibility was less than 100 feet. The team made the ascent in 4 hours, which is a great effort and one the guys were delighted with. The descent took place in daylight and took 5.5 hours. During the descent, the team began to pick up some minor injuries, which naturally slowed them down.

Scafell Pike - The Tallest Mountain in the England (3,209 feet)

After much needed refreshment at The Ben Nevis Inn, the team set off on another long drive to Scafell Pike. Arriving in the dark, our intrepid trio once again booked into the one star accommodation of the Simplify IT van, nevertheless grateful for its temporary beds and rest. The Scafell Pike ascent begin in daylight, with the guys achieving the summit in 3 hours. Neil had injured his knee, but with sheer determination managed to complete the climb. Visibility at the summit was really poor, and they soon headed down, having to take numerous recovery stops.

Snowdon - The Tallest Mountain in Wales (3,560 feet)

As soon as the team completed their Scafell Pike descent they were on their way to Snowdon. Upon arrival at Snowdon the team were told they could not park as they had not pre-booked parking. This meant they had to park a further mile away and walk the 1 mile uphill to the start point. The journey up Snowdon began along the miners trail in pitch black conditions. Nevertheless, the team made great progress but unfortunately made a wrong turn at some point. It took another few hours before they found the peak but find it they did. They then got lost, met two other parties (also lost) and eventually had to scramble down a valley to get to back to the path. This was followed by a long walk back down the miners trail. The team were back to the start point, just under 48 hours from the beginning of the ascent up Ben Nevis.

Mission Accomplished

After deciding that Matt was in the best condition of the the 3, and that he should fetch the van, Matt set off. Unfortunately he got lost, and after two hours Lee and Neil went looking for him. Luckily enough, they bumped into each other soon after. After a quick snack, the long drive home began. This would be taxing normally but the guys hadn't slept much in 48 hours and were exhausted from the ascents and descents. Nevertheless, the team were euphoric that this arduous task was completed. It was mentally and physically challenging. Although all were suffering aches, pains and strains, it was Mission Accomplished. Not having a driver made a big difference, especially when you are made to park miles from the start point.

Lots of fun, sweat and tears - but also lots of money raised for a great cause. The team hope to raise enough money for a guide dog named "Dannii" in memory of Neil’s partner and Lee's Niece.

Please, if you can, give generously. You'll find details below of how you can donate. Thank you very, very much in advance.