3 Big 'ills in Yorkshire

So, having been inspired by their own separate walking Challenges in 2023, Zara and Andy decided to combine forces and undertake a joint effort in 2024.

They chose the Yorkshire 3 Peak Challenge as they considered it to represent a good chance to test their will-power, stamina and endurance - attributes which many people who require the services of the chosen charities have to call upon, not to mention the various volunteers who provide the vital assistance required.

Andy then told his wife, Natali, who said "Ooooh what a good idea - can I do it as well..?"

"Of Course you can" said Andy - and then there were 3.

Andy and Natali's daughter Ashleigh then asked if both herself and boyfriend Jordan could join in - "Of course" was the reply - so then there were 5.

So there we have it - five brave souls all now trying to get rid of the excess Xmas 'baggage' and already putting in hours of training for what many consider to be the hardest of the various '3-peak' challenges that are out there, mostly due to the unrelenting nature of it.

The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge is a 24-mile (38.6km) round trip route which includes 1585m (5200ft) of ascent. It takes on the peaks of Pen-y-Ghent (694 metres), Whernside (736 metres) and Ingleborough (723 metres) and is to be completed in under 12 hours. (These hills form part of the Pennine range, and encircle the head of the valley of the River Ribble, in the Yorkshire Dales National Park).

So, due to the very tight timeframe, unlike other 3 Peak challenges across the UK, there is no real chance for a nice peaceful rest-stop, no time spent in a vehicle transiting between target hills or mountains where you can get a bit of a rest, a change of clothes and the use of a proper loo.

Nope - this will be a slog, through 'Gods Own Country' and will be undertaken whatever the weather a late April weekend will throw at us, all in aid of the 4 charities which Zara, Andy, Natali, Ashleigh and Jordan have chosen. All of whom provide very important life changing and life-saving assistance to a great many people in a wide variety of circumstances.

Both Andy and Natali are ex-forces (RAF) and Zara's husband is still currently serving so the Help for Heroes Charity is an obvious choice as it provides vital assistance to UK Armed Forces veterans and their families by giving life-changing support, no matter when or where they served.

The phrase used on their website "We're at their side. For as long as it takes" says it all.

Macmillan Cancer Support is a charity very close to Zara's heart as they provided much needed and highly appreciated help throughout the period of her late Mums illness and passing. Jayne was only 55 years old and is a much-missed Mum and Grandma.

All of our ‘Yorky 3 –Peak’ Challengers live in Lincolnshire and have seen the impact that the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance can make, on a daily basis. This charity (unbelievably) receives no direct Government funding and is therefore completely reliant on donations to allow it to operate, on constant 27/7/365 readiness, across 3500 square miles and at an annual cost exceeding £10m.

Ashleigh and Jordan have recently started the process to become Mountain Leaders and, along with both Andy and Natali, are frequent visitors to the Lake District. Again, the 12 separate Mountain Rescue Teams that cover the Lake District National Park & Cumbria (LDSAMRA are an umbrella charity for all 12) are all totally reliant on private funding and charitable donations for their continued existence. The number of incidents these teams respond to increases year on year (100+ in the 70’s and 80’s to over 700 each year nowadays) as more and more people visit and explore this beautiful region.

Many thanks for taking the time to read this far - your effort is very much appreciated - but not as much as any donation you may decide to make.! - Yup, it's not about the words, it's about the £'s.

We know from previous experience that a strong level of sponsorship support can make all the difference when the going gets tough. When the feet are hurting, the legs aching, the lungs bursting and the heart rate racing - knowing that you are raising funds for worthwhile causes really does allow you to find the next mental 'gear' and provide you with an extra emotionally fuelled push to the top, and then onwards to the finish, despite the physical hardship and discomfort.

Any amount will be gratefully received, large or small, pennies or pounds, please choose our Challenge to be the one effort you support this year.

Many Thanks in advance

Zara Seaman
Andy Habblett
Natali Habblett
Ashleigh Habblett
Jordan Cooper