3 peaks IT Industry Charity Event is a Success

Last weekend, IT teams from across the country took part in CARE's 3 Peaks Challenge supported by Computer Weekly, climbing the highest peaks in Scotland, England and Wales in order to raise £50,000 for CARE International’s global projects.

Teams were greeted by superb sunshine on arrival at the base of Ben Nevis, Scotland. As they psyched themselves up for the challenge ahead, it soon became apparent that there was a competitive streak in more than a few participants. The race was on.

Ben Nevis was tackled on the Saturday afternoon. With everyone arriving on time, and all kit, safety and communications briefings running to schedule, the teams were all off before 2.30pm. After successfully navigating their way to and from the snow topped summit, they were all off the mountain by around 10.00pm. Following the refuelling of both cars and stomachs (chilli cooked by dedicated crew members for the lucky Option Systems team), everyone was ready for the drive to the Lake District for the second mountain. 

The teams started their ascent of Scafell Pike in the early hours of Sunday morning, and the boulder ridden terrain, although tricky in parts, did not seem to faze them. By this stage, the guides’ words of encouragement definitely kept morale high. By early afternoon everyone had completed their descent and they headed to North Wales to embark upon the final leg of their challenge.

After a slight delay on the motorway, all teams arrived at Snowdon eager to get going as quickly as possible. Quite literally the finish line was in sight and as they marched off into the sunset adrenalin and anticipation was high.

Come early evening, the teams began to cross the finish line to the rapturous applause of support crew, staff and volunteers. Well done to QA who came in first – in fact ran in first - with a time of 23 hours and 18 minutes. QA’s team leader Tracey Issot said:”It’s been brilliant, even better than we thought it would be. We’re definitely glad we did it and we’ve raised £4500 for CARE so we’re very pleased with ourselves.” 

All teams completed in good times:

Despite a few injuries, all crossed the finish line in jovial moods, perhaps knowing that both food and alcohol were a mere stone’s throw away helped maintain spirits (although a member of Ixion Holdings ltd managed to cross the finish line with a pint thanks to a friend who greeted him before the finish line).  A hot meal was well received and gave participants time to reflect on their achievements, all undoubtedly feeling a sense of relief and accomplishment.

In addition, the prize for the highest fundraising went to Midland Heart whose admirable efforts enabled them to raise £7,500 for CARE – a significant amount of money that will certainly make a huge difference to some of those living in extreme poverty.

Team Green Peaks, took their green credentials seriously and managed to collect the most rubbish from the mountains to win themselves a bottle of champagne for their efforts.

CARE would like to thank everyone that was involved in this year’s 3 Peaks Challenge supported by Computer Weekly: participants, crew members, volunteers and staff enabled this event to be truly rewarding and one that we hope will never be forgotten. Thank you all for your support.

Neil Munro, Head of Challenge, said:'The 3 Peaks supported by Computer Weekly was once again a success. This event for IT professionals has always proved to be an excellent team building and networking event for anyone who works in the IT industry, and we look forward to the 2010 3 Peaks supported by Computer Weekly.'

In addition, CARE would like to thank you all for your kind words following the event.  Finally, good luck to Mike from RFU, who having climbed Everest before completing the 3 Peaks Challenge said:’’…the next progression has to be the moon.’’ Good luck! Those of you not attempting the moon will hopefully take on the 3 Peaks Challenge supported by Computer Weekly again next year.