Read about what happened when our Swimming Club took on the 3000 Footers Challenge...
Over the May bank holiday weekend, Keele Swimming Club took on the 3000 Footers Challenge to raise money for the Donna Louise Hospice, a local charity supporting children with life-limiting conditions and their families. Lauren Hudson, Club Captain, tells the story of how they met this incredible challenge...
Over the weekend, Keele University Swimming Club took part in its final charity fundraiser of the year: The Lakes 3000 Footers Challenge. Inspired by the previous years’ Three Peaks Challenge; we scaled the four largest mountains in the Lake District: Scafell Pike, Scafell, Helvellyn and Skiddaw. The challenge was to be completed over two days, with overnight camping in Keswick.
The weekend commenced with an early start (6 AM leave from the SU) followed by a long drive up to the Lake District. We had underestimated what a monstrosity of a challenge this was.
The first two mountains were to be climbed back-to-back; totalling an eight-hour scramble. Most of our route was completed through climbing rather than walking, taken off the beaten path by our guides. Due to time constraints, our tents were to be put up in the dark under the minibus headlights, and dismantled again at 6 AM the following day. The latter half of the challenge was shorter but more difficult, with tired legs, swollen ankles and a 40-minute break between the two mountains.
A team of 16 took part in this challenge. All sixteen pushed themselves physically and mentally to the max; overcoming physical exhaustion, blisters, old injuries and fear of heights. Despite wanting to quit several times, we traipsed on – demonstrating a common mental trait in all swimmers: never giving up.
We raised £1283 in donations; £1446.75 including gift aid. All Proceeds go to our chosen charity for this year: the Donna Louise Children’s Hospice. We have run several events throughout the year, ending on a high with this huge challenge.