On the hottest day of the year to date, several of the Far'n'Beyond team decided it would be a good idea to attempt to climb the Yorkshire Three Peaks to raise money for Marie Curie.
A charity close to our hearts, Marie Curie, provide care and support to individuals and families living with terminal illnesses throughout the UK.
The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge covers a 24-mile trek incorporating Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough mountains within 12 hours.
A group, including some who love to walk and others who rarely venture between the Far'n'Beyond studio and the warehouse, it would always be tricky... but I don't think any of us expected what we were faced with.
Leaving home at 3am in the morning to get to the start of the walk was a mission, but we all met at Ribblehead Viaduct and began just after 6.30am.
Four miles in, it was clear this was going to be tougher than any of us expected, and with the heat, extreme pollen and the incline increasing, the only option was for one of our team to turn back.
Although a really difficult decision, it didn't stop them from walking approximately 30 miles throughout the day, almost completing Whernside to get to the highest point in Yorkshire and walking around Pen-y-Ghent to meet everyone so we could finish together.
Descending from the first peak and heading towards Ingleborough, the scale of the challenge became apparent. Those who had received a look of shock and horror when telling friends and family what they were doing, quickly began to realise why!
Across the team, even the most experienced explorers had moments of emotion as the 26° summer heat, strong winds, undulation, rocks and body pain set in.
Keeping each other motivated and reminding ourselves of the reasons why we were doing the walk, we continued together, walking from Ingleborough to Pen-y-Ghent.
An incredible experience and achievement, the team demonstrated the skills and determination that make Far'n'Beyond.
Supporting each other at every stage and looking to do the very best for Marie Curie.
I couldn't be more proud or impressed. Special thanks also to Abi for organising everything and making it happen.
Adam Moody, Managing Director
Whilst scaling the top of the second peak was difficult, and the walk was long, with weakened muscles and reducing energy, climbing to the top of the final peak used up all our reserves.
That then left the final eight-mile never-ending stretch back to Ribblehead Viaduct.
I think the whole team agree that not only physically, the hardest thing any of us have ever done, the Three Peaks were mentally and emotionally gruelling.
Particularly for the 'non walkers' in the group, there was relative surprise that the paths, aren't really paths and there is actual rock climbing required to get to the summit of Pen-y-Ghent.
Everyone faced their own personal moment of fear that they wouldn't be able to complete the challenge, but we all made it back and couldn't be prouder of each other.
We are delighted that we raised almost £3,000 for Marie Curie, the motivation that helped us finish.
If you would like to support us, please click here to donate.
