Sandwell Sea Cadets tackle Three Peaks Challenge
On the hottest weekend of the year, a dedicated team of volunteers from Sandwell Sea Cadets completed the iconic National Three Peaks Challenge to raise vital funds for their minibus.
During 12 and 13 July, walkers Stuart Toop, Aiden Cook and Jason Larner were joined by support crew Gary Mason and John Williams as they climbed Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon.
The adventure began at 5am on Friday 12 July, as the team set off from the Unit in Old Hill for a 396-mile drive to Fort William. During the Challenge they covered 474 miles by road, walked 23 miles and climbed 9,714 feet in elevation, all while facing extreme heat with temperatures reaching 29 degrees at the start of the Ben Nevis hike.
From the start, the challenge was as much mental as it was physical. Stuart, suffering from heat and dehydration, found himself wobbling like Captain Jack Sparrow at the base of both Ben Nevis and Scafell Pike before recovering with food and fluids. Jason made the tough call to turn back half way up Ben Nevis to avoid risking serious injury. After a short recovery, he returned with determination and completed both of the remaining peaks.
Stuart said: “We were really disappointed about being delayed by roadworks and a motorway closure between Ben Nevis and Scafell Pike. Just as were ascending Scafell most others were descending, making the narrow access roads a challenge to navigate.”
Later, the team was caught in a traffic jam on the M6 following a crash. These delays meant the challenge time extended to 29 hours, falling just outside the traditional 24-hour target.
Despite the setbacks, there were many memorable moments. Finding a cold spring three miles into the Ben Nevis trail proved vital after consuming around four litres of water each.
Matt Killworth-Jukes, Officer in Charge of Sandwell Cadets, added “I am so proud of my volunteers for taking on this Challenge and in reaching the summit of all three peaks within a single day. My volunteers give up so much of their time to teach and support the young people in the Unit – both Sea Cadets and Royal Marine Cadets – that they really did go the extra mile to raise essential funds for our minibus.”
The support crew kept energy levels up with hot meals, including a welcome dish of pasta and meatballs. The team also found camaraderie on the trails, meeting other groups tackling the same challenge, including an energetic team from Wombourne High School, Invictus.
One of the most powerful boosts came from home. Families of the cadets followed the journey online, sharing words of support and donating to the fundraising campaign. Their encouragement gave the team a much-needed lift during the most demanding stretches.
The effort raised over £1,000 for the Sandwell Sea Cadets minibus fund. The money will help ensure the vehicle stays roadworthy, safe and reliable so Cadets can continue to access camps, competitions and adventures across the UK.
We are still accepting donations at crowdfunder.co.uk/p/sandwell-scc-3peaks
Sandwell Sea Cadets aims to give young people an experience that will help them grow into the person they want to be in a safe and friendly environment. Through various activities and adventures, we learn teamwork, respect, loyalty, self-confidence, commitment, self-discipline, honesty and how to be the best version of ourselves.
The Sea Cadets offer a range of different activities from sailing, windsurfing and powerboating - to rock climbing, camping, and music - plus, so much more! At Sandwell you are also able to gain different qualifications that you can take with you once you leave Sea Cadets!
