Story added: 30th June 2021

Three Peaks bound Lee Clark tell us about his fundraising, training and expectations as we near the Challenge weekend

Norwich fan and Foundation supporter Lee Clark, from Southend, will be one of 19 fundraisers climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon next month as part of our Three Peaks Challenge.

We caught up with Lee – known by many Norwich City fans as the Farke Knight – about his preparation as we near the Challenge weekend (8th to 10th July).

How did you first get involved with the Foundation, and why did you want to raise money for them?

It all started in December 2017 when I started the ticket donation group because a group of City fans helped me get to the football when I had no money because my car blew up. They rallied round to buy me a train ticket. Now whenever I can’t make a game I always gave my tickets away to fellow fans to enjoy our team and that’s how the donations group come about – the group helps fundraise for the charity. Emma Fletcher-Dungay [Senior Fundraising & Events Manager] got in touch and told me all about the Foundation and the relationship got stronger. I just love fundraising for them and the best bit is you see the money being used before your eyes.

How are you feeling about taking on the Three Peaks?

I’m excited for the views but nervous because I’ve heard how hard it is. I’m really looking forward to the feeling when I get to the bottom of the third mountain.

You have been training really hard. Tell us a little bit about what you have been doing?

My training has been going to the gym twice a week on the treadmill uphill for 2 hours each time. I also take on the brutal Leigh-on-Sea steps walking up and down for 4 hours, totalling 6 miles. I’ve been using my bike rather than my car and on the weekends going on long distance walks for up to 11 miles. This in addition to playing 7-aside football three times a week. As part of the training I have also been on a diet. I’ve cut out fizzy drinks sticking only to water, and have three meals a day with no snacking – I allow myself a treat day on Saturday as a reward for the rest of the week.

Has all the training made a difference?

It’s massively helped with my lifestyle. So far I have lost 5.3 stone, which helps make exercising easier. If I didn’t have the focus of this training for the Three Peaks Challenge, I wouldn’t feel like a new man. It has given me a goal and purpose, rather than coming home and just watching TV. Before training, I hated the way I felt regarding my looks and now I feel happy and positive. I also have more energy to play with my children.

What would it mean for you to hit that magic target of £10,000?

Smiling with a big grin on my face from ear to ear, I would say! Especially knowing what a difference that sort of money could make to people’s lives especially after the hard times of going through the pandemic.

Is there anything else you would like to say?

I want to thank Emma as I’ve never experienced such support when trying to raise money for charity. It’s a pleasure to have that friendship and support with someone who understands my passion. I want to thank everyone who constantly supports me with my fundraising activities because again they are the ones putting their hands in their pockets and being the real heroes. My wife, my kids, my family and all my friends and the whole of the Norwich City football community. I might do the challenge but it’s everyone I’ve mentioned above that are the unsung heroes and without them it wouldn’t be possible. And a special thanks to my friend the Farke Knight…

You can support Lee’s challenge by visiting his fundraising page here.

Emma Fletcher-Dungay, Senior Fundraising & Events Manager said:

“Lee is an inspiration. He has a heart of gold and just wants to help others in all he does.  His fundraising goes much further than raising money for us and since he started he has raised close to £100,000 for a number of charities.  He is aware how demanding the Three Peaks is and has put his heart and soul into training for it as he doesn’t want to let anyone down.  We believe he will do it and we will give it our all to help him when the event begins.”

To find out more about our Challenge events, click here.