On Saturday 15th June 2019, a team from the Encon Group Head Office donned their walking boots and completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge in aid of Martin House Children’s Hospice. The challenge involved a nearly 40km walk, taking in Yorkshire’s three highest peaks, Ingleborough, Pen-y-ghent and Whernside.
Setting off in sunshine at 7am from Horton in Ribblesdale, the team climbed straight up Pen-y-Ghent, before making the 12-mile trek to the top of the next (and tallest) peak, Whernside. It was at this point the weather turned, waterproofs were put on and the team continued on down Whernside and up the very steep ascent of Ingleborough, the last of the 3 peaks. From there was then a leg sapping 6-mile hike back to the start, with the sun re-emerging as they crossed the finish line. At 11 hours 36 minutes, the team came inside the 12-hour target time, weary but uninjured after 24.5 miles of challenging but beautiful Dales and 1470m of elevation!
It was a test of their endurance, but Nick Lankester, Andrew Wesley and Ben Hall enjoyed the wonderful countryside, meeting other walkers and raising money for such an important cause.
Martin House is a hospice for children and young people, located in Boston Spa, close to head office. They provide respite and palliative care across West, North and East Yorkshire for families with a child or young person who has a life-limiting condition.
Martin House almost relies entirely on voluntary donations and fundraising to provide care and support to over 400 children and young people and 170 bereaved families.