Monday 26 March 2012
Students take on 3 Peaks Challenge
This Spring, the Leeds University Raise and Give (RAG) Society will be attempting to conquer the three biggest mountains in Britain in aid of ShelterBox. Two teams from the society will take part in the challenge between 13-15 April and 5-7 May.
The National 3 Peaks Challenge has been a popular test of mental and physical strength throughout the hiking community for over 40 years. Participants attempt to climb Ben Nevis in Western Scotland (4,409 ft), Scafell Pike in the Lake District (3,209 ft) and Snowdon in North Wales (3,560 ft) all within 24 hours, hiking a total of 11,178 ft and driving 415 miles between the mountains.
The Leeds University RAG is the official fundraising body of Leeds University Union and is entirely student led. Over the past year, they have raised over £250,000 for various charities through events and challenges such as this one. The National 3 Peaks Challenge is an annual event for the society and they have set themselves a fundraising target of over £16,000 for this event. This year a total of 65 participants will be taking part along with a support team of 20 people who will drive the minibuses between the mountains.
The location of the university has proved to be very beneficial for the students’ preparation leading up to the event. Catherine Edghill, member of the Leeds University RAG, said: ‘Participants have been fundraising and training since sign ups in November. We are lucky enough to not be too far away from the Yorkshire Three Peaks being in Leeds and this has been the location of a number of training walks with everyone to ensure participants were aware of the level of fitness required and to get some group training in.
‘The concept of the emergency boxes as immediate aid was appreciated by us all and we thought it was a great idea. It is also great to be able to tell participants, sponsors and those who have contributed to the fundraising how many boxes we will have managed to pay for to be sent to those who need them. Quantifying the donation is a really valuable way of showing how they can help and has encouraged many of them to raise more than we could ever have expected.’
