On Saturday 11 May, a dedicated team of Hammers will embark on the Three Peaks Challenge to raise funds for the West Ham United Foundation, LTSB and Action for M.E.
Led by Joseph Lyons, CEO of the West Ham United Foundation, the group includes a WHUF team consisting of ambassadors Marlon Harewood and Barrington Atkins, as well as Peter Toole, Director at Paragon Customer Communications, who are a Patron of the Foundation.
The challenge ahead is a formidable one. The Three Peaks Challenge entails scaling the highest peaks in Scotland, England, and Wales within 24 hours. This means conquering Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, and Snowdon, covering over 23 miles with 3,064 meters of vertical ascent, all while navigating 450 miles of driving between peaks.
The group’s motivation stems from the impactful work of the charities they are supporting. To kick things off, in March, the group got together at Rush Green Training Ground where they confirmed preparations and heard from Stuart Laing, who recently formed part of a Barclays team and attempted the challenge.
Unfortunately, despite Stuart’s best efforts he completed the challenge in a nail-biting 24 hours and seven minutes - resulting in huge personal disappointment. So, in a bid to help our team reach their goal, he offered crucial tips he hoped could help them on their journey – ranging from the importance of stretching, ensuring footwear and first aid is in hand and working collectively to meet time constraints.
“It’s made it feel more real,” remarked Atkins at the end of the meeting, where the group considered Laing’s advice and discussed some essential equipment requirements.
Atkins’ long-time friend and former Hammer, Marlon Harewood, has been increasing his training for the challenge and has been offering encouragement to his Foundation teammates.
“Marlon’s been getting on to me,” shared Atkins on an Instagram reel. “I’ve seen him upload stories using his peloton, doing five kilometre runs and saying I’m letting the team down and so I thought I’d do a quick ten mile walk today.”
Atkins continued: “I’ve just reached the summit in Malvern which is the highest point in Worcestershire – about 425 metres high, which is nothing compared to the three peaks we’ve got to do in 24 hours. It’s going to be tough.”
“As I think about the challenge ahead, I’m looking forward to the teamwork that will most certainly be needed to get us over those peaks within 24 hours, and the sense of achievement that we will all receive at the end,” shared Toole. “I’m sure there will be some tougher moments, sleep deprivation, sore knees and blisters but that’s the least we can do!”
At the core of their motivation lies the causes they are doing it for, with each person and team uniting in an attempt to push their limits and collectively raise a target of £150,000.
“We know it’s not going to be easy,” said Lyons. “But it’s a testament to all of the charities being represented as to how much they mean to everyone involved and those they help.”
“I know first-hand the life-changing difference that can be made by the funds raised through these types of activities. So, for me, when a three peaks challenge got mentioned at events involving Action for M.E. and LTSB, I was moved to bring a group together and take this on.
“I’ve worked with LTSB for over a decade and know their team and their impact very well, and I’ve got a personal relationship with Action for M.E. as my wife Kate was diagnosed with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis a few years ago - a debilitating long-term disease which affects various body systems, notably the nervous and immune systems - dramatically impacting her health and our wider family conditions with three young boys at home.
“Everyone has their own reasons for being involved and their own ties to the causes but ultimately, we’re doing this as a team. None of us have ever taken this on before and it’s safe to say we are daunted at the prospect of what lies ahead but feel motivated by knowing what a difference we could make to the three causes through raising these vital funds.”
To help the team in conquering both the peaks and support their causes, visit the link or scan the QR code to donate.
