A Level students beat exhaustion and snow to conquer Three Peaks in 24 hours
Four LVS sixth formers beat exhaustion, cramp and snow-topped peaks to conquer the mighty Three Peaks Challenge over Easter in just 23 hours and 35 minutes.
The LVS A Level students climbed the three highest peaks in England, Scotland and Wales within 24 hours, starting with snow-capped Ben Nevis, taking in Scafell Pike in the dark of the night, and finishing the next morning on the summit of Snowdon. And they have smashed their £500 fundraising target with an impressive £597.67 to date.
The team, Head Boy Matt, 18, Alex, 16, Oli, 17 and Matt, 16, began on 14th April by dipping their hands in the sea at Fort William, before setting off to climb Ben Nevis. They reached the top of Britain’s highest peak in deep snow, with the sun shining brightly.
They then made the 265 mile journey to the Lake District, arriving at the foot of Scafell Pike just after midnight. They never saw the beautiful scenery as they struggled up the mountain in the dark, reaching the summit at 3am.
A further 205 mile journey to Snowdonia was a brief chance to sleep, before starting the final ascent of Mount Snowdon. Despite early signs of cramp and exhaustion, they reached the top and down again with time to spare, 25 minutes within their time limit of 24 hours.
The team celebrated by touching their hands in the sea at Caernarfon, completing the ‘sea to sea’ journey, before heading home – exhausted but happy.
The students, accompanied by LVS teachers Gary Blunt and Chris and Ginny Beswick, were raising money for the LVS £20k Challenge, a huge all-school effort to raise £20,000 for charity before the end of the year. Funds go to the school’s six charities: The Calabash Trust, Christopher’s Smile, Great Ormond Street Hospital, Mouth Cancer Foundation, Georgie’s Fund and Help for Heroes.
Head Boy Matt said: “It was very tough, and there were times when we thought we wouldn’t make it, but everyone pulled together brilliantly and we did it! Completing Snowdon with time to spare was a fantastic moment. Thank you so much to all those who supported us in the Challenge.”
You can still sponsor the team online by visiting their website: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/lvs3peaks
