CARE 3 Peaks Challenge supported by Computer Weekly post-event report

Over £100,000 was pledged for CARE on 7-8 June by the 17 hardy teams from the IT sector, prepared to trudge relentlessly up and down mountains for 24 hours in the blazing sunshine to raise this staggering sum!

As teams gathered at the foot of Ben Nevis on Saturday morning to prepare for the ascent of the first of their three mountains, safety briefings focused on hydration and protection from sunburn. Meanwhile support crew stripped off, slapped on the suncream and enjoyed some well-earned relaxation on van roofs following the long drive to Fort William and the preparation of a creative array of high-energy snacks for teams! Teams set off in high spirits, sporting items from matching kilts to gnome mascots. Even the draining heat was not enough to dampen the mood and as teams descended sweating and panting from the peak of Ben Nevis, morale remained sky high.

After a late journey and safety briefings at Southwaite Services, Scafell saw a more weary departure as teams took to the slopes of mountain number two at the break of dawn. Scafell, a notoriously challenging climb, took more of a toll on teams’ energy levels, although all teams descended triumphant, having successfully completed the toughest of the three mountains.

The glorious weather continued throughout the weekend, and as teams arrived at the foot of Snowdon to begin the long trek up the final mountain, spectators sought rest in the shade while climbers emptied their rucksacks of spare clothes to make room for more water bottles. Sweating from the outset and plastered with sunscreen, team leaders rallied their members for the last leg of the challenge.

The final push to the summit was well rewarded, as the cloudless skies ensured teams were greeted by panoramic views across Wales and the distant Atlantic ocean. Late afternoon saw a colourful stream of teams adorned in corporate colours run, skip, stumble or crawl over the long-anticipated finish line at the foot of Snowdon, exhausted and elated.

Celebrations took place in the marquee at the finish line, with delicious food, plenty of drink and many congratulations being exchanged. CARE Challenge Staff and Volunteers thanked everyone involved for their almighty efforts on the mountains and with their fantastic fundraising. Special mentions went to Team Education from FMC Technologies who completed the challenge in the fastest time- a remarkable 21 hours and 44 minutes. Team Leader Richard Preston is a CARE Challenge legend, this event being his 13th with the Challenge team!

Thanks went especially to Team Health from Charles Taylor Consulting who raised the highest sum of £11,000 and were presented with a prize. A special mention also has to be made to the boys in kilts from FMC technologies who managed to tap into seemingly boundless reserves of energy throughout the night, remaining on the dancefloor until 3.30am!

The event was a huge success, with teams reporting very positive tales of their experiences. According to Kate Boothby from IOP publishing, "I had my moments during training, fundraising and the challenge itself seriously wondering why I had signed up for it, but I wouldn't swap it for anything, and I know the rest of Team Urban feel the same."

CARE Challenge Events Manager Neil Munro reported, “The weekend went very smoothly, teams had a fantastic time and the fundraising was a great success. We’re really grateful to everyone who took part and we hope very much they’ll join us again next year for another challenge!”

Photos of the event can be found here.

Team Results

Company Name & Teamleader	Call Sign	Ben Nevis	Scafell Pike	Snowdon	Drive Time	Total
FMC Technologies - Karen Butterfield	Education	04:09	03:59	03:36	10:00	21:44
Conchango - Jemma Gillman	Georgia	04:43	04:14	03:34	10:00	22:31
Selfridges - John Boyle	Justice	04:28	04:18	03:54	10:00	22:40
IOP Publishing - Jane Roscoe	Urban	05:06	04:27	03:54	10:00	23:27
Johnson & Johnson - Sarah Barber	Finance	04:42	04:46	04:05	10:00	23:33
CfBT Education Trust - Simon Karter	Trade	05:32	04:24	03:52	10:00	23:48
Lewis PR - Will Sturgeon	Water	05:36	04:44	03:50	10:00	24:10
Woolf Ltd - James Stormonth	India	05:22	04:51	04:16	10:00	24:29
Warburtons - Andrew Blanc	Ghana	05:39	05:07	04:51	10:00	25:37
Johnston Press - James Bowman	Kenya	07:50	08:13	DNS	10:00	26:03
Manhatton Associates - Richard McCready	Project	05:33	05:11	05:28	10:00	26:12
CSC - Shelley Chuong	Market	05:50	05:52	04:47	10:00	26:29
FMC Technologies - Douglas Whitehead	Family	06:23	05:57	04:10	10:00	26:30
Capgemini - Helen Ahlstedt	Farming	05:29	06:14	04:50	10:00	26:33
Conchango - Linda Pakuls	Legal	06:22	05:31	04:50	10:00	26:43
Charles Taylor Consulting - Daniel Micola	Health	07:12	06:17	05:33	10:00	29:02
Conchango - Lorraine Branch	Shelter	07:22	08:05	03:36	10:00	29:03