Heart dad Gareth and a group of (very!) good mates raised money for CHSF by climbing the highest mountains in England, Scotland and Wales in less than 24 hours!
This team of terrific trekkers scaled the dizzying heights of Ben Nevis, Snowdon and Scafell Pike all in the same day. They did it to say thank you for the wonderful treatment Gareth’s daughter Mabel received at Leeds.
We’ll let Gareth tell you all about the challenge!
So, three peaks in 24 hours…sounds straightforward, right? Well, I can now officially tell you this was the toughest, most brutal challenge I have ever done! The ascents themselves are a constant lung-busting, leg-burning pain fest. Then the descents became just as painful, if not more, and was where my cramp would set in.
With this challenge, there really is no easy part and then throw in the sleep deprivation! I was looking up Snowdon on the Sunday morning, thinking this really isn’t going to be possible. My legs were like two lead weights with absolutely zero energy left in them.
But, after 23 hours and 13 minutes, we arrived back to the van. We had not only completed it but smashed it well within 24 hours!! Definitely seven happy and tired men!
We also were very, very lucky with the weather. We had a fantastic clear day at the summit of Ben Nevis, which only happens around 50 times a year. We walked Scafell Pike in full moonlight with clear skies and climbed Snowdon on a lovely sunny Sunday morning.
This really was one hell of a challenge, but one we will all remember forever and ever.
MABEL
“Mabel was diagnosed with congenital heart disease after she was born and was blue-lighted straight to Leeds Children’s Hospital.”
“At three days old, Mabel underwent a balloon procedure to try and increase the workings of her Aortic Valve. At first they thought this was a success and sent us home but, unfortunately, three weeks later we found ourselves back at Leeds. This time Mabel had to undergo a massive open heart surgery and was in theatre for 13 hours.”
“This is when we realised without the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit, and the massive support they get from the charity Children’s Heart Surgery Fund (CHSF), we wouldn’t be where we are today with Mabel!”
I want to say a massive thank you to everyone that has donated. I have been absolutely overwhelmed by the support.
Your money will really help families like us in the unfortunate position with their babies at birth, and so much more. Thank you.
I also wanted to thank my amazing wife for your support and for looking after the kids while I’ve been away. And your fantastic baking.
That flapjack definitely got me up those mountains!
Gareth and Jess with twin girls Meredith and Mabel
A huge thanks to our team. Without the support, laughs and banter, this wouldn’t have been possible, so thank you, everyone! Now then, guys, what’s the next challenge going to be??
BEN NEVIS 1344m
SNOWDON 1085m
SCAFELL PIKE 978m
THANK YOU so much to Gareth, Nick, Chris, Jack Jim and Stu for taking on this truly tough fundraising challenge for CHSF!
You trekked around 26 miles and but ascended to a total height of almost 3,000m. What an incredible achievement. You should all be so proud of what you have accomplished.
Over £4,000 raised including gift aid that will go straight to heart warriors and families being treated in our heart unit. You are all incredible. Thank you.
Have you been inspired to take on your own fundraising challenge for CHSF? We’d love to hear from you!
Fill in a register to fundraise form or get in touch at info@chsf.org.uk 0113 831 4810 if you’d like to chat some ideas through.
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