The National Three Peaks Challenge involves climbing the three tallest mountains in Great Britain – Scafell Pike in England, Snowdon in Wales and Ben Nevis in Scotland – all within 24 hours. The total ascent of all three mountains together is 3,064 metres (10,052ft).

Jason Boyle has worked for United Response for the past 12 years, progressing from Support Worker to Team Leader for both our Lowestoft and Leiston branches:

I enjoy my job as much now as the first day I started. I feel that I have found my vocation in life.

Service Manager Andy Carless has supported people across four locations in Ipswich for 23 years now.

An avid hiker, he’s always wanted to complete the Three Peaks Challenge. With their combined passion for hiking, he and Jason were inspired to do the challenge in order to raise funds for our local services:

Raising the money is my way of being able to give a little back.

I’d planned to complete this challenge nine years ago but my mother died a few days before the event so I had to cancel.

So much time flew by until I realised that it’s probably now or never to tick this one off my bucket list.

Active: Andy has been hiking for a hobby for 25 years

Training for their Three Peaks Challenge

Jason is staying consistent with shorter walks after work and longer ones at the weekends:

I’m lucky that I live near the beach as I find beach walks are helping with my training.

Proud: Jason in his United Response sports vest

He’s very aware of the challenge ahead of them:

I’ve realised that it isn’t going to be as easy as I first thought, however I’m going to do my best to complete the Challenge. I just keep telling myself: ‘It’s just a walk, it’s just a walk’.

Andy faced his first obstacle on his journey within the first few weeks when he hurt his back. However he too is determined and believes he will get through it ‘with a few painkillers, knee supports and [his] lifelong stubbornness!’

We’re so proud of Jason and Andy and we’ll be cheering them on every step of the way.

If you’d like to donate to their efforts, you can do so on JustGiving:

Donate to Jason and Andy’s Three Peaks Challenge
  • Aisha Akbar is Fundraising Officer for United Response.