Back in June, a group of 11 colleagues from the Screwfix Distribution Centre in Stafford set out to conquer the 3 Peaks Challenge, in order to raise money for local charity STING – Staffordshire’s Therapeutic Independent Neurological Group.
The group, comprising Gez Prendergast, Sam Spring, Tom Heath, Hayden Clarke, John Waldron, Mike Ward, David Bennett, Matthew Hayward, Lee Ogram, Chris Baker and Simon Holiday, were attempting this gruelling event for the first time. The aim of the 3 Peaks Challenge is to reach the summits of the three highest mountains in England, Scotland and Wales within 24 hours and, consequently, the group set out to tackle Ben Nevis first, followed by Scaffell Pike then Mount Snowdon.
Wincanton’s National Distribution Centre for Screwfix, located on Prologis Park in Stafford, has pledged to support STING with its fundraising activities. Each year, Wincanton chooses a charity to raise funds for. The 1100+ workforce devise a range of activities throughout the year with the aim of raising a substantial amount of cash and having a great deal of fun at the same time. However, some of the events are more of a testing ordeal than a ‘jolly’ – and the 3 Peaks challege certainly falls into this category!
However, with planning, training and determination, along with vital catering and transport support from Thomas Franks Catering and Arnold Clarke, Wincanton’s group of drivers, climbers and walkers achieved their challenge well within their 24 hour target. Ben Nevis was conquered in 4 hrs 17 mins, Scaffell in 3 hrs 10 mins, and the heroic challengers accomplished the Snowdon ascent in 3 hours dead! Fortunately, all the group survived intact!
The fantastic overall time achieved was 22 hrs 45 mins, which includes travelling time, food breaks, rest periods and sleeping – which pays huge testament to the group’s dedicated drivers as well as the climbers. The actual mileage covered over the 3 peaks is equivalent to the distance covered in a full marathon, however that does not take into account the climbs and heights reached!
Sponsorship money is still coming in, with the total raised expected to exceed £1000.
Gez Prendergast, who as well as participating in the 3 Peaks Challenge, also heads up the charity group for the site, said: “This was one of the most extreme events ever carried out by team members at Wincanton, though it proved to be one of the most enjoyable ones, generating a great deal of team spirit. The fact that the team generated such a large amount through their sponsorship efforts for STING, is the icing on the cake.”
Vice Chairman of STING, Peter Marenghi, who also works at the site, was very impressed with the dedication of the team. “For over a year now, the workforce at Wincanton has engaged in a range of wonderful activities to support our charity. Their efforts during that time have kept STING alive. Without this wonderful support, we would have ceased operating a long time ago. However, we are now able to continue to provide a wide range of vital services to many people in Staffordshire who are affected by a neurological condition. I hope all members of the team who took on the 3 Peaks Challenge are aware of just how much we appreciate their efforts for us, and what the money raised can provide for so many people.”
[box type=”info” align=”aligncenter” ]STING, set to benefit from the exertions of the group, works to support anybody in the area with a neurological condition, which includes multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and many others. The group operates from Unit 22b on Stone’s Whitebridge Estate, which is fully adapted for disabled and wheelchair access, allowing members to attend regular activities, and take part in group discussions, wellbeing sessions and exercise classes, as well as being able to access neurological therapies.
To find more information about STING’s work in the community, contact Peter Marenghi on 07736 522474 or on petermarenghi@hotmail.co.uk [/box]
