The 3 Peaks 24 hour Challenge! Raising funds for UK Veterans

On 27th July 2024, I will be attempting to complete the National 3 Peaks challenge, with the aim of raising funds for a charity close to my heart, Healthier Heroes.

Their aim is to support the social, mental and physical wellbeing of Veterans who are struggling to overcome barriers in their lives.

Their support is far reaching across the North West and helps those struggling with homelessness, mental ill-health, experiences with the criminal justice system, unemployment and skills training.

They have helped a multitude of veterans and their families since they were established in 2018. They are directed by a husband and wife team, with the forces close to their heart. Andrew, the managing Director and ex Colour Sergeant, served 16 years in the infantry in our local Duke of Lancaster's regiment.

Why is raising money for Healthier Heroes important to me?

I joined the British Army as a 15 year old school boy, and served over a decade with the infantry, covering multiple tours. I witnessed first hand, the struggles that service personnel (and their families) face, not only whilst serving but also afterwards when trying to transition back into civilian life.

Since leaving the forces myself, I have seen a huge increase in homeless ex-service men and women on the streets of UK cities and seen friends and colleagues struggle to fit back into a society that can't support their needs. A lack of help with transition from service, and the loneliness and isolation that follows, can leave people struggling with their mental health and wellbeing. It can quickly become a downward spiral. This is a disgrace, more should be done to support those who risked their lives to protect our country.

This is why local organisations such as Healthier Heroes are so important. They work directly on the ground, rehabilitating and supporting veterans and their families all across the North West of England. The team do an outstanding job but require our kind donations to keep them going.

Please support me and the HH team by donating towards the event, any contribution is welcome, big or small.

The National 3 peaks challenge consists of climbing the largest 3 mountains across the UK within 24 hours. Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon).

If you'd like to follow my progress, the timings are (hopefully!) as follows;

0230hrs Sat 27 Jul 24 – Arrive Ben Nevis.

0630hrs Sat 27Jul 24 – Ascend Ben Nevis.

1130hrs Sat 27 Jul 24 – Depart to Scafell Pike.

1730hrs Sat 27 Jul 24 – Ascend Scafell Pike.

2230hrs Sat 27 Jul 24 – Depart to Yr Wyddfa.

0230hrs Sun 28 Jul 24 – Ascend Yr Wyddfa.

Thank you