Duo take on the National Three Peaks Challenge fundraising for Alzheimer’s UK

A duo have completed the National Three Peaks Challenge in aid of Alzheimer’s UK.

Michael Hopkins, from Carlton-on-Trent, and Henry Cawthorne, from Laneham, took on the task of climbing the highest peaks in Scotland, England and Wales with the additional challenge that these must be completed within 24 hours.

The pair walked for 23 miles and ascended 9495ft over the course of the challenge, climbing Ben Nevis, in Scotland, Scafell Pike, in England, and Snowdon, in Wales.

They decided to raise money for Alzheimer’s UK, as the charity has affected close family members.

Henry said: “The most gruelling part of the challenge was the descent from Ben Nevis.”

However, Michael felt that ascending Snowdon in the pitch black with what turned out to be the coldest and windiest start was not easy, however he added that watching the sun rise between the peaks was stunning.

The euphoria at the bottom of Snowdon was palpable as walkers from other groups appeared.

Michael added: “It was bizarre. We had crossed paths with another group over the 24 hours and we were all so thrilled to have made it. Two other groups we met at Ben Nevis did not manage to finish in the 24 hour deadline.”

Lip Hopkins, Michaels mother, drove the pair between the peaks, sleeping in her car as they climbed the three mountains.

She said the day had been fun, but occasionally stressful.

She added: “Being sat in a traffic hold-up outside Glasgow was frustrating all I could think about was the clock was ticking.”

Michael and Henry were thrilled to have completed the challenge and even more so when they realised how much money they had raised, which currently totals over £500.

The pair's JustGiving page is still open at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mh3peaks.