Explore2cure is off to a flying start with the first fundraising team undertaking the Yorkshire 3 Peaks!
Just weeks after Explore2cure was announced to the world, the first fundraising challenge went underway, and what a turnout it was! Fourteen fresh faced and eager participants assembled at the Pen Y Ghent cafe on the early hours of Sunday morning, poised to take on this iconic and enduring challenge. Over twenty-four miles of steep rocky mountainous terrain separated these focused individuals from the fundraising challenge of a lifetime. The weather had been exceptionally warm for this time of year. Dry, arid, desert-like conditions marked the once floral landscape. In warm climates blood vessels dilate (expand), resulting in expansion of hands and feet. Additionally, warm climates cause the feet to perspire. While in shoes, the moisture has to where to go and so the skin reabsorbs the sweat thereby exacerbating the condition. This combination of heat, vasodilation and reabsorbing fluid causes the foot to friction, resulting in some very nasty blisters (see below)! From mile four the issue became apparent as more than half of the team were suffering from blisters – yet the team still marched on. Peak one conquered!
As the hours started to fall, so did the teams levels of hydration. Not a single cloud occupied the deep blue sky. Not a single cluster of shade, no respite from the relentless heat. The team arrive at the halfway point, water bottles depleted. After a brief stop on a bone dry plateau deep within the Ribblesdale Valley, the team replenish much needed supplies of food and drink by means of a strategically placed half way vehicle, and advance onto summit number two.
The refueled team pass alongside the iconic Ribblehead viaduct, where they are greeted with the distant view of the summit of the highest mountain in Yorkshire – Whernside. The team, who by this point start to separate, push slowly through the long steep approach to the summit. That’s 2 out of 3 done. Just one more peak to go!
The team tackle the treacherous descent of Whernside and arrive at the final checkpoint for a much needed water stop and re-group. Tired legs, blister-ridden feet, aching backs, weary eyes – cracks were beginning to show. The team splintered into pockets, with those fittest at the front. Hour number eight elapses, would just four hours be enough to conquer the final peak? It was touch and go. We decide to separate the teams into A and B. Team A with the aim to complete all three peaks in less than twelve hours whereas team B would just climb all three peaks at their own pace.
Hour nine elapses and the Yorkshire 3 Peaks claims its first victim. Blisters, sore knees and aching hips left him struggling to proceed. Not wanting to slow the group down further, he retires from the challenge and to the safety of the support vehicle. But doubt filled the minds of those that continued. Would there be another victim?
In the relentless sun, the team push on to the steep rocky ascent of the final summit. Single file, heads down, mouths open. No voices, just the sound of heavy breathing. One foot in front of the other, step after step – as if robotic. The eyes telling signs of secret battles being fought inside their heads as they try to blank out the pain and suffering that engulfs them.
The summit is in sight. Just one more step….
Peak 3 conquered!
The Challenge is not over yet! The team still have to make it down to the end point at the Pen Y Ghent cafe by the twelve hour. Five miles of steep rocky descent separates them and victory over this physically demanding challenge…
…At the eleventh hour, Explore2cure’s first ever fundraising team make it back to finish. 24 miles. 1600m of ascent. Yorkshire 3 Peaks – job done!
