Northumbria Team In Peaks Condition

A 22-strong Northumbria University team will scale new heights during the Bank Holiday weekend as it embarks on a mammoth fundraising trek.

Eight staff and 14 students will attempt the gruelling Three Peaks 24 Hour Challenge as they bid to raise vital funds for the Northumbria Sport Foundation.

The team has been in training since January - tackling Blencathra, Helvellyn, the Coledale Horseshoe and Scafell Pike.

And second year Sport Exercise and Nutrition student Ellen Duke said: “We feel fully prepared and ready to go!

“I don’t think any of us will really know just how well prepared we are until we’ve completed the challenge.

“It’s like nothing we’ve done before and it will be so demanding. I’ve climbed plenty of hills in my time but this is on a whole new scale.”

The Northumbria team must climb the three highest mountains in England, Scotland and Wales within 24 hours. They must scale Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon - a combined height of 11,000ft and distance of 26 miles - and cover 474 miles on the road.

“The moral within the camp is fantastic,” added Duke. “We are very supportive of one another and there’s a real sense of togetherness.

“When we’ve been doing the practice climbs if anyone has needed a break the whole group has supported that individual and offered encouragement.

“Nobody will be left behind.”

The Northumbria Sport Foundation uses sport to improve the lives of people within the North East and as far afield as Africa.

Duke and her fellow students will spend six weeks in Zambia this summer working with local people to educate them on health and wellbeing through sport.

And she added: “That will be at the forefront of our minds when we’re doing the Three Peaks. The Northumbria Sport Foundation is a charity close to our hearts and when the pain kicks in we’ll remember that we’re up those mountains for a great cause.”

Staff member Brogan O’Connor, Northumbria’s Sport Services Assistant (Community and Foundation, will be leading one of the student groups.

And she added: “We are hoping all of our practice will help us complete the challenge. However, it will be no easy task as around 70% of people who take on the Three Peaks don’t finish!

“Our incredible group has already raised more than £3,500 for a fantastic cause but they have a target of £4,500.

“Anyone who would like to help support our Northumbria staff and students and make every step worthwhile can sponsor the team online at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/NSF3Peaks or text TTPC17 and your donation to 70070.

“All support would be greatly appreciated!”