Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough stood before us as we set off from Horton in Ribblesdale in the delicate morning light. Our goal was as grand as the scenery—conquer these majestic peaks within a 12-hour timeframe.
The hike was organised into five groups, with each one aiming for different finishing times, from under 8 hours to those who were content just to complete the hike. The event kicked off at 7:00 AM, and each participant was driven by months of preparation and a commitment to support the Hike with Mike foundation.
This charity, which relies solely on fundraising events like this one, had set an ambitious goal to raise £15,000, with each hiker contributing a minimum of £250.
The mood was a mix of excitement and focus as each group reached the final summit and continued their long and winding journey back. The satisfaction of completing this challenge was a personal victory for each hiker. They received not just an eco-friendly medal but also a gorgeous hand-drawn image of the peaks, a heartfelt gift from a friend of the foundation, which were handed out as a token of achievement and thanks.
By the day’s end, we had not only met our physical and mental challenges but had also shattered our fundraising target, raising over £35,000—more than double what we hoped to achieve. This incredible outcome highlights the spirit and generosity of all those involved. We owe a special shout-out to our top fundraisers, whose exceptional contributions significantly boosted our efforts. Your dedication is truly inspiring!
None of this would have been possible without the phenomenal support from our hiking community, friends, and families. Your encouragement and participation fuel our foundation's mission to provide crucial support to those struggling with mental health.
A heartfelt thanks goes out to our volunteers—Tom and Harvey, who expertly guided us on the peaks; Paul and Katie, who managed logistics; and every single person who contributed to making this event a success.
Your efforts have left a lasting impact.
As we look forward to future challenges and opportunities to make a difference, we carry with us the memories of this day and the reminder of what we can achieve together.
A huge thank you from the bottom of our hearts for making it all possible.
— Team HWM
Comments