Alnwick Young Farmers to take on Three Peaks Challenge for charity

The 20-strong group – 16 walkers and four drivers – aim to climb to the top of the highest peaks in England Scotland and Wales in the space of 24 hours.

That means walking 23 miles, climbing 10,052ft and being driven 462 miles.

And they have set themselves the target of beating the £5,016 sum raised by club members when they scaled the summits of Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon back in 2016.

Club member Rory Straker said: "We would love to smash that this year. Training has already started, following current guidelines, and we're all raring to get out and complete it.

“We’ll be starting at 5pm at Ben Nevis on July 9, and aiming to finish by 5pm on the 10th. It’ll involve climbing up Scafell Pike at 4am and over 10,000ft of ascent.

“We have been training every week, hiking in the Cheviot Hills between 10 and 15 miles each time, with a mammoth effort of 23 miles one weekend at the start of June, completing Dunmoor, Hedgehope and Cheviot from Ingram!"

They raising money for The Great North Air Ambulance Service and Forage Aid, a farming charity that supports the agricultural community during floods and extreme weather.

“We’re all very excited to get out and complete the challenge,” said Rory. “It’s for two fantastic causes and will be a chance to give something back to them after the difficult time everyone has been through recently.

"Young Farmers, like all groups and activities, came to an immediate stop when lockdown was first implemented and we feel it would be a fantastic way to get back up and running and an even better opportunity to give back to charities that have also suffered so greatly during the pandemic.”

They have raised £845 so far.

"We have had some fantastic and very generous sponsors supporting us and some very generous donations too,” said Rory. “All donations are hugely appreciated – that is what will keep us going when we're walking at 4am.”

To donate visit https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/alnwickyfc

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