A group of 11 recovering addicts are making last minute plans for their exhausting Three Peak Challenge aimed at raising money for charity.
So far the group, which consist of Clare Lincoln, Shez Bucknole, Andy Bunter, Bruce Wright, Lloyd Williams, Ollie King, Andy May, Justin Battiste, Paul Wheeler, Jamie Humphreys and Darren Moore, have raised nearly £1,000 for Racing Welfare and are hoping to boost that further for the challenge which is taking place over Sunday and Monday.
The group, who come from in and around the Bury St Edmunds area, leave for Scotland at 6am planning to arrive at Fort William to conquer Ben Nevis by 4.30pm the same day.
They then get back into their mini bus for the journey south to climb Scafel Pike in the Lake District just as dawn is about to break before leaving to travel to Wales to scale Snowdon at 1pm finishing the challenge by 4pm Monday.
Andrew May, who lives on Station Hill, said the group, who all live in supported housing schemes and call themselves Team Peakys, have suffered from alcohol and drugs abuse and it was back in March that they investigated the possibility of taking part in the 24-hour feat.
“From that all the team members got together and agreed to do it. None of us have done anything like this before but we are looking forward to it.
“It’s a tall order for us as we arrive in Scotland and start the first climb straight away but we will all be looking forward to getting out of the mini bus to stretch our legs.”
Racing Welfare supports the workforce of the British horseracing and thoroughbred breeding industry giving professional guidance and support to the dedicated stud, stable and support staff whose work is vital for the wellbeing of the sport.
The National Three Peaks Challenge involves climbing the three highest peaks of Scotland, England and Wales in 24 hours or less - Ben Nevis at 1,345 metres, Scafell Pike at 978m and Snowdon at 1,085m.
The total walking distance is 23 miles (37km) and the total ascent is 3,064 metres (10,052ft).
To donate to the team’s efforts go to their Just Giving page at
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/teampeakyblinders2
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here