CARE International 3 Peaks Challenge

On the 7 th and 8 th May, Stuart Stead from Hobs on-Site along with Multiplex took part in the 3 Peaks Challenge to raise money for CARE International. The 3 Peaks Challenge involves climbing three mountains in 24 hours: Ben Nevis at 1343m high in Scotland, Scafell at 997m in the Lake District and Snowdon at 1035m in Wales. CARE International is a charity that raises money to provide humanitarian aid for disadvantaged communities around world, allowing people to work their way out of poverty. With the help of Hobs reprographics, Stuart personally raised £1500, with £1000 being pledged by Hobs.

The weather forecast for the weekend was dreadful. At the start of the Ben Nevis trail the rain was coming down heavily and at the top they were confronted by driving snow at -16°C with visibility of 50m. There was a lot of snow on the trail and many icy patches and two of Stuart’s team mates fell badly, yet they pushed on and completed the first climb in 4hrs 40mins and 24,162 steps. They arrived back at the van soaking wet and with a 6hr over night drive ahead of them.

After arriving in the Lake District, they were ready for the next stage. This time, they were the stars of Scafell, completing it quicker than the other teams and error free. They took just 3 hrs 43 mins and 18,438 steps- no mean feat given that they had ‘slept’ in a car and started at 5.15am. Stuart recalls “With only one mountain to go spirits were high, knowing that in only a few hours we could start on the beer”.

After another 4hr drive, it was hard to get going again as their muscles were sore and aching. The weather was warm and clear in the valley, yet as they set off it soon deteriorated and when they reached the summit it was below freezing, with poor visibility, high winds and driving sleet. After a time check on the top they knew that at some stage they would have to run to finish within the allotted 4hrs. With 2 miles to go and muscles burning they started to run and reached the finish line in 3hrs 57mins. After a quick visit to St John’s Ambulance and a photo call it was off to get ready for the nights activities. During the dinner the pain was numbed by numerous well earned beers. “We moved onto the night club and danced into to the night-until my body packed in about 1.30am!”

Of the 38 teams that took part, 37 completed the challenge with 22 teams finishing in under 24hrs. Stuart guided his team home in 4 th place, with another of the Multiplex teams winning the event in 20hrs. Second place was Business Systems Solutions and in third place was Clugston Construction in the most successful 3 Peaks Challenge its 10 year history. Total funds raised were £254,498.98, a record breaking amount with Multiplex contributing over one fifth of the final amount. “Care International ensures that 93% of the money it raises reaches those who need it, which is why I chose to raise for money this charity” Stuart said. “The experience and the event were absolutely amazing and I would like thank Hobs for their generous donation that allowed me to take part in an event that I will remember for a very long time”.

[Back to Listings]