Three Peaks, Three Days, One Incredible Challenge.

Staff, family and friends conquered Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon to raise £1,205 for The Matthew Project.

A determined group of staff, family and friends took on the Three Peaks Challenge over three unforgettable days, climbing the highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales to raise vital funds for The Matthew Project.

The team was made up of Dan (Unity), David (Criminal Justice), Luke M (Unity), Kirsty (Unity), Léa (YouCan/Unity), Damian, Emma and Sol. Pete from Next Steps for Veterans generously volunteered to drive us between the three peaks, making the whole challenge possible.

Day 1: Ben Nevis, Scotland

Our challenge began with a 12-hour journey to Scotland, with Pete driving and Dan helping along the way. After a night in a hostel, an early start brought a mixture of tiredness, nerves and excitement as we set off for Ben Nevis.

Rain, strong winds, sunshine and even hail accompanied us up the mountain. Freezing fog at the summit meant there was no view, and at times we could barely see one another, but reaching the top still felt fantastic.

We completed the climb in around 6.5 hours before climbing back into the minibus for the six-hour drive to YHA Eskdale near Scafell Pike. We arrived at around 9:30pm, just half an hour before the latest check-in time of 10pm, so we were very glad to have made it!

After a very long day, we discovered possibly the warmest drying room we’ve ever come across. Lots of us left our wet kit in there overnight, and luckily, everything was dry and ready to go the next morning.

Day 2: Scafell Pike, England

At 7am the next morning, we set out for Scafell Pike. The route was shorter than Ben Nevis but much steeper, and the weather changed constantly.

Beautiful views and plenty of laughs kept us going towards another cold, wet and cloudy summit. After around 4.5 hours, our second climb was complete.

There was no time for the nice evening meal some of us had imagined, though! We were soon back in the van for the drive to Wales.

We arrived in daylight, picked up some supplies, enjoyed fish and chips and were all in bed by 10pm. After two mountains, we were definitely starting to feel the challenge in our legs!

Day 3: Snowdon, Wales

On Monday morning, one member of the team had to sit out because of an injury, but the rest of us eased our aching bodies out of the hostel bunks for the final climb.

We ascended Snowdon via the Pyg Track, tackling steep, rocky sections that sometimes felt more like scrambling than walking. The summit was once again wet, windy and wrapped in cloud, but Snowdon became a favourite for many of us.

As we descended along the Miners’ Track, the fog finally lifted and revealed beautiful views across the lakes - a wonderful reward at the end of three demanding days.

More than a mountain challenge

Three countries, three mountains and countless hours on the road later, we had done it!

The challenge tested our stamina, determination and teamwork, but it also gave us brilliant memories, spectacular scenery and plenty of laughter along the way.

Thank you to everyone who donated, shared our fundraiser and supported us throughout the challenge. A special thank you goes to Pete for taking on the mammoth task of driving us safely between all three peaks.

Thanks to your support, we raised £1,205 for The Matthew Project, and we are incredibly grateful. Want to support the team? Staff Team is fundraising for The Matthew Project

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