A team of 4, Chris Schofield (assisted by his dog Freddy), John Feaster, Holly Pickerell and Jim Staton took part in the One in a Million charity’s 3 Peaks Challenge on Saturday 10 July. With his labrador, stick and dark glasses Chris looked as if he was walking for RNIB or Guide Dogs rather than OIAM!

Setting off from Horton in Ribblesdale at 07.03 hrs the team reached the summit of Pen y Ghent at 08.19 hrs.  Chris returned to Horton after the first peak as he was carrying a pre-existing hip injury and bad blisters led Holly to drop out at the Ribblehead pit stop 10 miles into the walk.

Continuing in lovely weather John and Jim reached the summit of Whernside at 12.48 hrs (5 hrs and 45 mins after setting off). Jim was the victim of an audacious theft whilst eating lunch on Whernside; a half-eaten ham and mustard sandwich was snatched from his thigh where it was balanced by a seemingly friendly, but cunning, border terrier!  John and Jim put that crime behind them and set off for the last peak, Ingleborough, which was reached at 15.57 hrs. There was then a long slog back to Horton (the sign posts are deceptive as to distance!) where they hit base camp at 17.53 hrs, a total of 10 hrs 50 mins for the 24.5 mile trek.

John had been spurred on by his mother’s comment that there was no way he could manage the walk when he had told her he was going to attempt it! The ‘Crown Inn’ was the last stop where Rydal Pale Ale went down a treat!

Thanks to all those who supported the effort so far. Any more donations are welcome here.