Congratulations to Justin Fleming, REACT Group Financial Controller and teammates from the Noble Dragons Taekwondo Club, Swadlincote, who completed the notoriously difficult Three Peaks Challenge, raising hundreds of pounds for good causes in the process.
Back in May, the group of seven volunteered their time and energy to conquer the three highest peaks of Scotland, England and Wales in just 24 hours - a distance of 23 miles and an overall ascent of 10,052ft on foot, driving 462 miles in between. The team comprised four climbers, two drivers (including Justin) and one first aider / chaperone.
Important causes
The aim of the challenge was to raise funds for two very good causes, both of which are close to Justin’s heart. The first is support for young international competitors (ITFU Tae Kwon Do).
“I have been practising Tae Kwon Do for a number of years and have now achieved my 1st Degree Black belt,” Justin says. “As both a parent and coach I see the benefits of Tae Kwon Do in developing young people through sport, competition and also through its guiding principles of respect, courtesy and integrity.
“Our club has a number of very gifted young athletes that compete at a high level with current World and European champions, and the burden of competition and travel costs should not be a barrier for their development.”
The other charitable cause the group were keen to help is Epilepsy Action, which supports research in many different ways, from funding projects to providing patient and public engagement support, helping disseminate results and advertising recruitment opportunities.
Justin continues: “I have first hand experience with the difficulties of dealing with epilepsy as my son has a complex form of the condition that is proving very difficult to control. He has daily atonic seizures which are quite dangerous as he has a tendency to drop without any warning.”
It’s clear to see how both of these causes spurred the team onwards… and upwards, of course!
The challenge
Having travelled to the start point at Ben Nevis, the team began the first ascent at 15:00 on Friday and completed the climb in just over 4½ hours. They were then able to rest their limbs while journeying south to Scafell Pike where, under cover of darkness and with the use of head torches, the team continued with the challenge at an eye-watering 02:00.
Arriving back at base shortly after 06:00, the intrepid team commenced the final leg between peaks to Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa). It being a bank holiday, inevitable traffic delays impacted drive times, and the team was up against the clock for the final climb, arriving at 11:00.
Now understandably fatigued and sleep-deprived, the team pushed on with the challenge, but happily, their efforts were rewarded. They managed to complete the challenge at 14:35 on Saturday, well within the prescribed 24-hour time period.
And rest!
This was no easy feat, which was recognised by the amount raised by the team for such a physical and mental exertion. To date, they have raised a phenomenal £1,800 to be split between both causes.
We’re so thrilled and in awe of Justin and his Noble Dragons teammates. Well done to all involved!
If you would like to donate to the team’s Three Peaks Challenge fundraiser, please drop Justin an email at Justin.Fleming@reactsc.co.uk or donate to Epilepsy Action directly here.