Story added: 9th July 2025

Three Peaks Challenge 2025 – an epic adventure

On Wednesday 2 July, a team of 15 fearless walkers, joined by 5 team leaders and a support crew of 7 made up of Foundation staff and MyClub volunteers, rolled out of The Nest in two trusty minibuses — a whole eight hours earlier than planned. Why the sudden change? Well, let’s just say the weather gods were in a bit of a mood. Right from the get-go, it was clear the weather for this year’s challenge wasn’t going to make things easy.

With 80mph winds on the horizon over Ben Nevis, heading out early was the only way to stay one step ahead of the storm and get a safe shot at summit number one. When the team arrived in Fort William, let’s just say – in true Scottish style – it was absolutely blowing an absolute hoolie. But spirits were high as everyone braced themselves for what would turn out to be one of the toughest Three Peaks challenges the Foundation has ever faced.

Despite the relentless rain, it was safe to proceed with the first summit and the energy amongst the group was high. By 11am, Thursday 3 July, the ascent of Ben Nevis began, and within five hours, the first teams were back celebrating at the base of the mountain. The challenge was officially off to a gritty, determined and successful start.

After a night’s rest in Fort William, the group hit the road again in the early hours of Friday 4 July, bound for Scafell Pike – waving goodbye to Scotland with singalongs to Sweet Caroline and hopeful hearts for better conditions in Cumbria.

But, as ever, the weather had its own stubborn agenda.

What greeted the team at the foot of Scafell was nothing short of biblical. Sideways hail, gale-force winds, in short – treacherous conditions. After careful deliberation and with safety as the clear priority, a heartbreaking decision was made. Scafell Pike would have to wait for another day. A huge disappointment, but one met with understanding and resilience by all involved.

The team pushed on. Driving through the night they journeyed to Snowdonia, arriving just after midnight to a blessedly calmer Welsh landscape. By 1:30am, their final ascent began – and this time, the weather gave them a break.

At 6am, the first challengers returned from the summit of Mount Snowdon, mentally and physically exhausted but triumphant. There were FaceTime calls from the summit, emotional embraces, and a shared sense of relief.

Emma Fletcher-Dungay, Head of Fundraising at the Community Sports Foundation said:

“The resilience and determination shown by every single participant this weekend was nothing short of inspiring. From battling brutal weather conditions to pushing through long, sleepless nights, our challengers demonstrated true grit and a deep commitment to the cause.

While we didn’t complete all three peaks this time, the spirit, camaraderie, and support on display reminded us of what this challenge is really about—coming together to make a difference.

Thanks to their phenomenal fundraising efforts, we’ll be able to continue delivering life-changing programmes to people across our community. We’re incredibly proud and truly grateful for everyone who played a part in this unforgettable journey.”

Thanks to their valiant efforts the Three Peaks Challenge 2025 raised £10,000 (and counting!).

To everyone who took part, supported, or donated: thank you. Special thanks must also go to the following key supporters:

• Norfolk Hire – for sponsoring 2025’s fundraising events
• Green Farm Coffee – for supplying an essential (and delicious) ingredient on a challenge such as this – caffeine!
• Simply Roasted – for providing their equally delicious crisps, keeping our challengers fuelled
• Up and Running Treatments – for supporting us throughout the challenge and patching up our challengers when required
• To our invaluable MyClub volunteers who gave up their spare time on this epic adventure and without whom, challenges such as this simply wouldn’t be possible.

To everyone involved. You did more than just climb mountains—you inspired us all. Thank you.

Want to join us in 2026? Register your interest here!