“On July 3rd and 4th 2011 four fathers and sons completed the 3 Peaks challenge for CRY in memory of Howard and Sebastian English.
Mark and Ben Davies, Geoff and Will Eversfield, Greg and Andy Heath, Callum Thompson were the climbing party while Callum’s Dad Ian and his ex-Army pal Rory Steevenson were in charge of driving, logistics and the field kitchen. The challenge involves climbing the 3 highest peaks in Scotland, England and Wales – Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon – inside 24 hours. In total 10,000 feet ascent/descent and over 500 miles of driving.
Setting off in blazing sunshine from the foot of Ben Nevis at 5.30pm on Sunday 3rd July the team were in good spirits with the Dads encouraging their 17 year old sons to pace themselves. Sure enough the boys bounced up Britain’s highest peak like mountain goats dragging the ‘old men’ up in their wake. Hot soup and rolls were very welcome on our return to the minibus as Ian and Rory then drove through the night to England’s highest peak, Scafell Pike. Setting off at 4.30am and reaching the dreaded ‘steps’ an hour later the reality of the challenge kicked in, not least of all for the teenagers whose body clocks don’t do 5.30am so the Dads dug in and chivvied the Lads up to the summit. Extremely welcome were the bacon rolls and tea greeting us on our return to the minibus as we set off for Snowdon.
We were blessed with fantastic weather throughout the 24 hours and set off from the foot of Snowdon just before 2pm. This was where the team effort really kicked in with everyone suffering, particularly the 50+ year old Dads who were encouraged, cajoled and literally dragged up the final mountain by the 4 boys. Reaching the summit at 3.50pm was the most marvellous feeling – mission accomplished!
We are most grateful to the charity, Tisbus, for providing the minibus which travelled a total of 1414 miles from Salisbury to Scotland and back.
We are also extremely grateful to over 90 sponsors who contributed £6,300 to this magnificent charity, CRY in memory of two wonderful people – Howard and Sebastian English, father and son, who both died suddenly whilst playing rugby aged 32 and 15 respectively.”
Mark Davies
You can still donate to the challenge by visiting http://www.justgiving.com/davieseversfield
