Success at the summit | Charlie's diary for her Three peaks Challenge

The Bpositive team are victorious! 

Yorkshire's three highest peaks have been conquered in less than 12 hours by myself and the Bpos crew in the organisation's first ever challenge. And you know what? It feels pretty good.

It all kicked off at 6.54am yesterday in Horton-In-Ribblesdale. Conditions were dry but chilly and visibility worsened as we made our ascent to Pen-Y-Ghent. The top was windy and cloud-covered. The climb itself was fairly easy-going and swift, so despite the poor weather we all felt pretty chipper at trig point number 1. The descent took us along a chunk of the Pennine Way before we went off-piste over Horton Moor. It was here that I walked enthusiastically into a peat bog almost up to my knees. Thankfully I avoided nose diving so didn't have to reapply my mascara! The comical moment broke up the drudge of crossing wet and muddy terrain which we all came out of with soggy boots!

We lost a bit of time crossing the soggy land so really pushed ahead to Ribblehead, picking up the more established path of the Pennine Way. A tea break and some of Katie's fudge flapjacks gave us all a boost. Over four hours in and the initial adrenalin had worn off. The sun decided to make an appearance at this point which was another boost and the scenery, including the impressive viaduct near Bleamoor Sidings, was becoming more and more stunning. Giggles were had when a jet passed overhead rocking side to side in a waving motion. It felt like a good luck salute!

The climb to Whernside was tough on all of us. By now the heat was intense and our muscles were becoming tighter but once we reached the ridge towards the second trig point the views felt like a worthy reward for our hard work. It was at this moment I realised how far we had come as Pen-Y-Ghent loomed across the valley. It also hit home how far we still had to go! Panic was not far away as the clock ticked. The trig point was fairly quiet so we took a few photos then took a snack break. More of Katie's baked goods and some chocolate were consumed before pushing on.

Our descent was steady, by this point both Jan and Katie were finding the uneven ground a little harder to traverse but both had the grin and bear it mentality so carried on! The team was extremely strong-willed when we passed a pub at the foot of the final mountain Ingleborough. Kevin and myself were tempted to pop in for ice cold refreshments but the sight of the tough climb ahead made us stay on the path!

The climb was steep, hot and by far the toughest of the day as we battled tiredness. The team pulled it together and when we reached the summit I felt so proud at how far we had come. True grit had been shown by all - but the day was not over.

When we reached the trig point I couldn't help but let out a 'woo hoo!' and we had it all to ourselves. After a few minutes of bathing in the glory of our achievement I hugged my mum and then started the descent. At this point the team split. Myself and my mum advancing and Kevin and Katie taking a steadier pace behind but after an old lady overtook Katie she decided she wouldn't be beaten and took it up a gear. 

The final stretch pushed everyone to their limits. Jan, by this point, was in terrible pain but held back the tears and I swelled with pride as she put one foot in front of the other to ensure that she reached the finish point in 12 hours. Katie showed absolute determination to overcome the discomfort of testing ground and Kevin as ever provided the support that everyone needed. We would not have been able to achieve any of this without him.

What was most important is that we crossed the finish line together. When my mum Jan and I heard Katie and Kevin running to catch us up we were elated. I sang 'We are the Champions' at the top of my voice. We made it!

Charlie

Click here to see Charlie talking to us about the triumph at completing the challenge. 


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