And Finally, the Accolade

I want to sum up the achievements of these four amazing people. Mark, John, Julia and Tanya came together to conquer four of Britain and Ireland's highest mountains, in one of UKs most exhausting, exhilarating and rewarding charity challenges.

For the past 12 months the four have been training. Sometimes together but mostly separately. Hill climbing, cycling, running, combat training and the gym are among the activities that they participated in (and remember, by his own admission, John is not really an outdoor person) All this so that they can climb Ben Nevis, Helvellyn, Mt Snowdon and Carrantuohill, a total of 14000 ft (and don't forget the 1000 miles drive between the mountains) all in just 48 hours. Not much time for rest, I can assure you.

The event is intensely personal and quite solitary. The teams only have themselves for support; no thronging spectators and no huge news coverage, just other team members and the marshals on the lonely, lofty peaks. You have to have an enormous amount of  integrity, determination, dedication, and teamwork to train to that level of fitness and then conquer all that nature throws at you (and still smile at the end of it)

Besides the training, the team had to beg, cap in hand, for sponsorship. On behalf of the team, I say a HUGE Thank You to all who have sponsored them. Your donations have made it all worthwhile.

So what has all this fuss been about? Children of course! Proceeds are going to Wooden Spoon, the children's charity of Rugby. This British and Irish rugby charity dedicate their charitable work to helping mentally, physically and socially disadvantaged young people in the British Isles.I quote an excerpt from the charity's home page

"In 1983, a group of English rugby fans were drowning their sorrows in a Dublin bar after England's disastrous performance in the Five Nations Championship. The victorious Irish fans presented the group of miserable friends with a wooden spoon in sympathy, and after a Guinness (or four), they came up with the idea of holding a charity golf match to see who deserved the honour of keeping the spoon.
The plan was scribbled onto a napkin, and put into action a few months later at Farnham Golf Club in Surrey. Over £8500 was raised and donated to a local special needs school, Park School, in the form of a new minibus. Out of a devastating rugby loss, and a tongue-in-cheek consolation prize, the Wooden Spoon charity was born!"

Wooden Spoon Charity


At the end of the challenge all 20 teams came together with the marshals and organisers to celebrated in true style. All aches, pains, blisters and fatigue were temporarily forgotten as pure adrenalin (and a little alcohol) flowed, while credit was given where credit was due.

This year, 2014, the final  4 Peaks Challenge raised an enormous £87 350.00 What a fantastic achievement for all who contributed in time and effort as well as donation.

The Marshals, without whom, the event could not be run successfully.

The Drivers Team that John was a member of won the award for the fastest time to conquer Carrantuohill. An amazing feat!

They completed the climb in 4 hours 15 minutes

John with his two awards

Some interesting statistics, I thought would make for light reading...
Over the 48 hours the team climbed  for 17 hours and 44 mins and the drivers drove for a further 13 hours 30 minutes. While the climbers were able to cat-nap during the driving hours and the drivers were able to cat-nap while the rest of the team were climbing, the driver (John) managed a very fragmented total of 10 hours and 30 minutes.

No wonder some couldn't keep their eyes open at the end of the Gala Dinner. And who could blame them?














Just before I pack away my laptop, the team have a request... They have accolades of their own to give.

The first one is for Sean. He is an ex-marshal who participated in the challenge this year. With his past experience he was able to give an enormous amount of help and valuable advice on training and training climbs. He and his team also made time to help Tanya, Julia and Mark up and down Mt Snowdon when the rain and bad weather was taking its toll.

The second is for the marshals on duty. They had the unenviable task of sitting on top of a mountain in driving wind and rain just waiting for hapless climbers to come their way.  In spite of that they were not only on hand to promptly sign the passes in this most appalling weather, but they always had a smile and a special treat (freshly prepared snack) for the team at each of the check points. This gave the team an added boost of confidence as they went on their way.

Our very best wishes go with the Peakishness Team (as well as all other competing  teams) as they all make their way home. (Sunday 6th July 2014). Our thoughts and prayers for a safe end to a fantastic challenge.

If you haven't done so already, there is still time to sponsor this remarkable team of non-professional sports men and women.
Team Peakishness Virginmoneygiving link
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/peakishness

Last but not least, on to Carrantuohill

The ferry docked in  Dun Laoghaire at 5:45 am and from the ferry port the team had another 205 mile drive across Ireland to Dunloe which took them a little over 4 hours.

To pass the time, they played a 'Walkie-Talkie Pub Quiz' with two other teams that they drove in convoy with. The two teams are 'Kickarse' and 'Hardarse'. This blog has been all about the Peakishness team and I have neglected to add that there have been 20 teams competing in this monumental challenge. 'Kickarse' and 'Hardarse' being two of the twenty all raising funds for the Wooden Spoon Charity for underprivileged children.

Carrantuohill in the distance

The weather forecast for today is scattered showers and temperatures of approximately 7 degrees C. Since leaving the ferry port at Dun Laoghaire they have seen the sun peeping out from behind the clouds and as they got nearer to Carrantuohill they could see the mountain with sunny patches.

But we should remember that there is a reason for Ireland being called 'The Emerald Isle' and I don't think it has anything to do with jewellery.  There is definitely something keeping the grass so green!

Picture supplied courtesy  www.johnsmyth.ie 2009

Carrantuohill,  located in County Kerry is the highest mountain in Ireland at 3414ft (1039m)

The 3.9 mile walk to the summit appears much longer, especially on the way back, and remember, the whole team will be exhausted., even before they start. In past years, the average time taken for this climb is 4 hours 25 mins. Will they make it within the 48 hours? only time will tell.

Kitting up

At the base of Carrantuohill, our team enjoyed the summer sunshine as they kitted up for the fourth and final leg of the challenge. Their start time was 11:04.

Waiting for the start

Off to a good start

During the ascent, there were two short rain showers but the sun shone at the summit for a short time giving them a fantastic opportunity for a photo shoot, before the mist overtook them again.

Magnificent views from Carrantuohill

Tanya had been struggling with her previous thigh injury but she was rewarded with a drop of whisky from one of the marshals at the summit.

Carrantuohill Summit

For the last mountain peak, the drivers are invited to join the climbers in the 'Drivers Challenge'. It is a supreme test of stamina. Remember that the drivers have been 'On Duty' since the team left Mt Snowdon. John joined a 'Drivers team' who turned out to be a bunch of nuts and ran for part of the course. This didnt seem to phase John and the dark horse joined in, finishing in an amazing 4 hours! A magnificent effort John!

A little after 4:30 we got a phone call to say that the team had completed the course and were having a celebratory drink in the car park. David (Tanya's husband) had thoughtfully prepared a favourite tipple for each team members. Mark had a can of Guinness, Tanya a Pimms, Julia a Vodka & Cranberry Juice and because John was driving he was only allowed a small Guinness. Never mind, he made up for it once back at the hotel.









Mark, Julia and Tanya crossed the finish line at 16:30 giving them a time of a 48 hours 26 minutes for the course. This is an incredible effort since the marshals admitted that it is seldom that a non-professional sporting team complete within 48 hour.

After their well deserved refreshment, the entire team (John, Mark, Julia and Tanya) made their way back to the hotel where they were able to relax and freshen up for the Gala Dinner.

Carrantuohill  View from the hotel

I am sure you will all agree with me when I say that this was a MAGNIFICENT EFFORT!

AND PLEASE REMEMBER.....
If you haven't done so already, there is still time to sponsor this amazing team, at
Team Peakishness Virginmoneygiving Link
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/peakishness

Two down, its time for Snowdon

Fatigue is starting to take its toll on climbers and driver alike, sapping their energy and testing their  morale.
Leaving Helvellyn behind, the team turned in a more westerly direction which took them right into the path of that weather front that had previously been chasing them. It heaped stress on John as he struggled with the weather as well as his own weariness. They were all hoping that, having driven through the weather front, it would only be  the tail end that would effect the climbers on Mt Snowdon. This however was not the case. the weather front was moving slower than anticipated and as a result seemed to hang ominously over them. Even the marshals commented on the unprecedented amount of rain.

Sodden at the start of Mt Snowdon

By early afternoon the Peakishness team arrived at the Royal Victoria Legacy Hotel in Snowdonia (a 200 mile drive). At the hotel the team had to go through another kit check before they set off for the Pen-Y-Pass car park ahead of their 15:44  Mt Snowdon climb start time.

The drivers were not able to wait at the car park, they had to negotiate the treacherous road both ways before refuelling and finally returning to the hotel  for refreshments and a snatched, well deserved nap. John was hoping to have a brief break to recharge before the sodden team arrived back.





Mt Snowdon is the highest mountain in Wales at 3559ft (1085 m) With a little over four miles to the summit and the same back down, it has been said that Mt Snowdon is probably the easiest of the 4 peaks but I think the team will strongly disagree. Snowdon, is the third peak of the challenge  but the second one of the day.
In previous years, the average time to climb Mt Snowdon and return was 3 hours 25 minutes, but I bet that was without the rain!

Soaked but still smiling

The weather  forecast had not been entirely accurate. The rain hadn't let up as Mark, Julia and Tanya forged ahead to the summit. The sodden track was treacherous and accident was almost inevitable as the trio picked their way through the rocky obstacles. Tanya probably came off the worse for wear as she pulled her quadriceps(thigh muscle)  on the way up, making the ascent an agonising one.To add insult to injury, she lost her concentration and fell and hit her head. Despite all odds, Julia, Tanya and Mark made it across the finish line at 20:05, 4 hours and 21 minutes after starting.

Carrying more water down than when they went up!

For some reason, the pubs in the area had stopped serving meals by the time the team descended the mountain, so they all had to make do with a liquid dinner.

Mt Snowdon Finish line

Not a good situation when they need their body fuel. Julia, John, Tanya and Mark had to make do with just hot showers and warm, dry clothes, before setting off for the ferry port at Holyhead. John had done his best to dry clothing and walking shoes on the air vents of the car while driving. Undaunted, morale was amazingly high.

By now, climbers and driver alike were running on pure adrenalin as they climbed into the car again. John had approximately  1 1/4 hour drive to Holyhead to make the check in time of 23:30, to catch the 2:30am ferry. Thereafter a further 4 1/2 hours to Dunloe for the last of the 4 mountains, Carrantuohill.

Authors Note,
Tanya's phone suffered on the slopes of Mt Snowdon  and as a result, there are no pictures of the team at the summit. Due to the remoteness of the peaks, it is not always possible to get a signal to send pictures, so I will add more as and when I get them.

Helvellyn then on to Snowdon

Helvellyn

Helvellyn, in the glorious lake district is England's second highest mountain at 3114 ft (950m) In previous years, the average time for this climb was nearly 2 hours 26 minutes. Mark, Tanya and Julia were expected to face this climb before they could enjoy their pre-booked breakfast, massage and shower at the Threlkeld Cricket Club.

The team had managed to keep just ahead of the worst of the weather front that has been threatening.them while climbing Ben Nevis. They had experienced intermittent rain and mist and that rain was then snapping at their heels as they drove southwards to the peak district.

However their luck ran out as they set off for Helvellyn. With a start time of  6:06 am our trio set off with a confidant smile and a cheery wave as they crossed the bridge ahead of their Helvellyn climb, but the rain was chucking it down. They did  not have an easy time.

The rain hammered down in sheets and the wind drove it into them horizontally, so much so that for every step forward, they took two sideways.

You have no doubt  heard the saying 'Soaked to the Skin', well they were with even their underwear soaking before they were even half way up. Nevertheless, they continued to make good time.

Unfortunately, Julia slipped along the way and badly bruised her elbow and Tanya lost the waterproof cover on her rucksack - so all her gear is soaked through and may not pass the next 'Kit Check'. Apart from that, the climb went well.

(Julia and John had better luck on their  practice climb a few weeks earlier.See picture right)




Only  2 hours 55 minutes after the start, Tanya, Julia and Mark romped home in triumph at one minute past nine. While most civilised people are turning out of their beds and rubbing sleep from their eyes,  this hardy team were enjoying a well earned feast after their exhilarating, but very wet climb. (Unfortunately, there wasn't much chance of a photo-shoot along the way, so there are not many pictures to accompany this climb)

John, in the meantime had tidied and refuelled the car in preparation for the climbers return and even managed to grab a short nap. With the poor weather, his trial was yet to come.

With a hot shower, change of clothes and a good breakfast fading into memory, and with  little time to linger, the team set off again shortly after 11:00 am,  on the 200 mile road trip that is expected to take 3/12 hours.

The weather forecast indicates that they have experienced the worst of the rain and driving westwards, they should be driving out of it as it passes over, so lets all pray that their Mt Snowdon climb is better. The start time for the Snowdon climb is 15:44 Just 24 hours after they started to climb Ben Nevis.

With 2 down and 2 to go the teams spirits are incredibly high as exhaustion is slowly creeping up on them.

Well Done team. Keep up the great work.

If you haven't done so already, there is still time to sponsor this courageous team. They still need nearly £500 to reach their target.

Team Peakishness Virginmoneygiving Link
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/peakishness

Ben Nevis followed by a long scenic drive...

Ben Nevis

Julia, Mark and Tanya in the Car Park at the base of Ben Nevis

Ben Nevis was shrouded in mist as the Peakishness Team had expected it to be and the wind and rain had been increasing steadily throughout the afternoon, however as the team waited in the car park for their start time, the weather had cleared a little and they all looked remarkable relaxed.

Finally, the time has arrived!

The 'Fell Runners' were the first to go but finally it was the turn of the Peakishness Team. Julia, Mark and Tanya set off at the start of the challenge at 15:57 and were soon lost from sight. All they had was each other and their enthusiasm. Now they would find out if all the preparation over the past 12 months was enough. Judging by their progress, it was!

Julia with energy to spare!

Mark, in his comfort zone

Tanya & Mark. Looks easy doesn't it?

But looks can be deceiving

Snow on Ben Nevis

The weather was kinder than they first thought, but they encountered thick fog about half way up. There was a driving wind and intermittent rain  to contend with, but fortunately, the wind was side-on rather than head-on. This meant that they could make good time. So much so that even the marshals were impressed with the teams progress.

The girls were a little concerned however when they came across the snow that was lying on the mountain, but when Mark said (tongue in cheek) that they could either turn back or keep going, they unanimously agreed to kept going.

On the summit, despite the snow and ice...

...And back down

Ben Nevis

Crossing the finishing line at 20:55, Mark, Julia and Tanya completed the gruelling climb of 4406 ft (1344m) in 4 hours 58 minutes.  This is a fantastic achievement. Well Done!

Dinner - fit for a king?

While Julia, Mark and Tanya were enjoying an evening stroll on the mountain, John had provided a splendid meal for them. (pictured right). Tanya's husband, David had previously prepared a tasty Spaghetti Bolognese  which John had warmed up on a camping stove.

John preparing dinner

There was just time for a quick shower before the meal and then they all left Fort William behind, heading for Helvellyn, only 235 miles away


Not unexpectedly, John had been unable to grab more than just a cat-nap as he waited for the climbing team, so his stamina was tested as he drove through the night. They set off shortly after 10:00 and as expected, the weather had closed in so he was battling rain and mist as well as fatigue, while the rest of the team, tired but exhilarated crashed out.

As he reached the M6, the weather improved a little allowing John to make good time. The team arrived at Threlkeld Cricket Club at 2:30 am and while the climbers slept in the car, John found a more comfortable position on the cricket club floor. They had barely two hours to sleep before facing the next leg of the challenge. Helvellyn AND Snowdon in one day.

The calm before the storm

After a fairly uneventful drive the Peakisness team arrived in Fort William and settled into their hotel. Unfortunately, the further north they drove, the worse the weather became and while we are enjoying bright sunshine, they already have wind and light rain to contend with.

Views from the hotel in Fort William

After a team photo shoot, registration took place at 12:30 today where they were tagged (to ensure no cheating) and they were given their start time.

For Safety reasons, all teams have a staggered start time, and at 15:57 today, the challenge officially starts for the Peakishness team, with the first climb being the northernmost and highest peak, Ben Nevis. Thereafter, they will drive to the 235 miles (approximately) to Swirls Cricket club which is at the base of Helvellyn in the Peak District.

Ben Nevis  is Britain's highest mountain at 4406 ft (1344m) and the walk to the summit is a little over 5 miles. Mist covers the mountain most of the time so if you think the Peakishness team are off for a 10 mile summer stroll, Think Again! Snow covers the mountain for 8 months of the year, often into June and July, with average temperatures of -1 degrees C. In previous years, the average climb time for Ben Nevis was over 4 1/2 hours and the team are hoping to be off the mountain before the weather worsens.

Once the climbers set off, John, the driver will set up camp in preparation for the team to return. They will be expecting a dry change of cloths and a cuppa when they come off the mountain. He will also have the car refuelled, and hopefully manage to catch 40 winks ahead of his 5 1/2 hour scenic (in the dark) drive.

Ahead of the 15:57 start, the waiting is always the worst and while some members are quite laid back, others are fidgeting with nervous tension.

Good luck to you all! We are behind you.

One day to go...

Its July and its the start of another Four Peaks Challenge - Sadly after 30 years, 2014 will be the final challenge, which will make it all the more exciting.

While some of us sit in comfort and watch the excitement at Wimbledon, others are pitting their strength and fitness against our unforgiving, mountainous terrain. 

Over the years, this awe-inspiring Wooden Spoon Four peaks Challenge has been an amazing event for many - many have she blood sweat and tears on this incredible journey and to date a staggering £5 987 556 has been pledged by teams to Wooded Spoon, a charity for disadvantaged children.

Tanya Sutton, Mark Emery, Julia Lickley, and John Charles have made up a team called Peakishness and they have set out to conquer four of the highest peaks in UK and Ireland, driving over 1000 miles and climbing over 14 000 ft in just 48 short hours. These peaks will be climbed in the following order, Ben Nevis, Helvellyn, Snowdon and Carantouhill. 

The team - Helvellyn practice climb - May 2014

The Four Peaks Challenge, which must be completed in 48 hours, is all about team work. Each team of four comprises 3 climbers and a driver. The driver ensures that the climbers have all their basic needs met such as food, water, snacks, climbing gear, change of clothes etc. and in addition the drivers will climb the last peak, Carantouhill, in the 'Drivers Challenge'.
The three climbers must assist each other on each climb. Each peak is not conquered until all team members have returned. If a climber is injured and unable to climb, the driver must be prepared to switch places with the climber (providing the injured climber is still fit to drive) to keep the team intact. If the injured party is unable to take on the driving then the entire team must withdraw from the challenge.

Last year (2013) Tanya formed the Chesterton Hunnies with 3 of her work colleagues and although they were the last to finish, and they finished outside of the 48 hours, they won the wooden spoon for their efforts. It was the 30th anniversary of the event  and the Guest of Honour was the' Raging Bull' rugby legend Phil Vickery MBE. He issued a challenge  to finish within 48 hours in 2014 which Tanya took up.  The team 'Peakishness' is the result. 

A bit about the team...
 Tanya Sutton - career woman, mother and wife - is Lettings Area Director for Humberts Ltd and in her spare time is wife to David and mother to Daniel, She has been training for this challenge for more than a year now and despite injury, is rearing to go.

Top of Pen-Y-Fan June 2014

Mark Emery - widower and  father of three grown up fabulous Children, Natalie, Charlotte and Sam - is a sporting junkie who cannot resist a challenge.

Julia Lickley - having been unsuccessful in the 2013 challenge, the 2014, final challenge has become her personal goal. She is determined to complete it this year and will leave no stone unturned.... watch out, here she comes!

John and Julia Helvellyn - June 2014

John Charles - Julia's partner - not the most outdoorsie  person but he was roped into this challenge by Julia because he is an 'Excellent Driver' Julia dragged him up mountain (literally) and down dale where he feared for his life - probably more afraid of Julia really - but he grinned and bared it because it is for an awesome cause. He even stepped up his training when Tanya injured her ankle so that he would be prepared should Tanya not be able to continue.



The commitment of this team is not to be underestimated!!

However, one thing they are not too good at is fundraising and they still have a long way to go to meet their financial challenge. if you can help, please dig deep and sponsor them at
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ team/peakishness







This is the last year that you will have the opportunity  to donate to this charity and do something meaningful for our disadvantaged children.
Peakishness Team Virginmoneygiving link

PUT YOUR MONEY WHERE YOUR MOUTH IS!



Author's note
Thanks to 'The Bell ' at Frampton On Severn ..... for allowing me to use their WiFi while I write this blog.