A group of seven local ladies will scale the three highest peaks of Scotland, England and Wales in under 24 hours this weekend, all in the name of charity.
Maxine Lace, Tessa Burrow and Chido Maunze, who all work in the finance industry, alongside graphic designer Glesni Corney, teacher Helen Mason, health care worker Amanda Munro and fundraiser at the Children’s Centre Jane Howland, will take on the National Three Peaks Challenge.
Over the weekend (6-7th July), the group will walk 26 miles, drive 462 miles and ascent more than 10,000 feet on Scafell Pike in England, Snowdon in Wales and Ben Nevis in Scotland in less than 24 hours. In preparation for the challenge, they have been hiking every hill they can find on the Isle of Man, with Fleshwick in the south of the island providing a particularly beautiful training ground.
The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company is supporting the charity fundraising trip by assisting with the cost of return ferry travel for the climbers.
With the exception of Chido, the group are all mums of children ranging from toddler to university age, and have chosen to complete this challenge to raise funds for the Children’s Centre. They are each aiming to fundraise a minimum of £600 through individual sponsorship, presenting a grand total of at least £4,200 to the charity.
Maxine Lace remembers the day she was first introduced to the amazing work of the Children’s Centre and the support they provide to local children, teenagers and families. She explained: ‘I was stunned by the need of the support and services that this charity provides to our little island, I am by no means naive to the different demands within society but I underestimated the impact locally.
‘We all know life is very busy; between being a mum and working there is very little time I’d consider ‘free time’. So to take on a challenge such as this you’d think I should or would have put some careful consideration into it... well that wasn’t the case. Firstly, because of the fantastic charity it’s supporting and secondly, well if I’d thought about it too much I probably I would have backed out.
‘The commitment to three to five training walks per week, the organisation of multiple fundraising activities and the cost for everyone taking part in the challenge is a lot to take on, but we all know it will be worth it. We are beyond grateful for the support received from the Steam Packet Company in our travel to and from the UK.’
Joff Whitten, Head of The Children’s Centre, said: ‘As ever, I’m amazed at the efforts and commitments of the people of the Isle of Man. The hard work, preparation and dedication by this group of lovely mums is very much appreciated. We are also grateful to those who have supported them with their fundraising goals for the Children’s Centre, including the continued backing from the Steam Packet Company.
‘I wish them all strong legs, comfy chairs to grab some sleep in between the peaks and as many mars bars as they need to complete this challenge. I shall make sure there are many large gins waiting for them on return.’
Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Chief Executive Mark Woodward said: ‘The Three Peaks Challenge is the ultimate test of mental and physical endurance, so I wish the team the very best of luck. It sounds like a lot of hard work has gone into their preparation and we’re pleased to support their efforts. I’m sure lots of money will be raised for the Children’s Centre.’
(L-r) Glesni Corney, Jane Howland, Maxine Lace & Helen Mason are four of the seven ladies taking on the 3 Peaks Challenge in aid of The Children's Centre
