12×12 Mountain Challenge
Many people do many crazy things to raise money for charity. So, a group of Yorkshire businessmen are no exception to this rule, as they challenge themselves to scale 12 UK & Ireland mountains in 12 months to raise money for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance. This included Snugpak’s very own marketing manager Stewart Anderson (kitted out in the best gear obviously).
First up in January was Skiddaw in the Lake District – the 4th highest peak in England –
in temperatures of minus 10 degrees centigrade and a narrow icy ridge between them and the objective. The team battled the elements to climb, crawl and hang on for dear life to some questionable parts of the route.
Said Rob Lewis:
“Last year our daughter was airlifted to hospital by The Yorkshire Air Ambulance and so we will eternally owe them a debt of gratitude. So when Steve approached us and asked us if we’d participate and support the cause, of course we jumped at the chance. Life is both a fleeting and fragile thing and so whenever the opportunity arises to help others, we should all do our bit’.”
Said Stewart:
“Working for Snugpak, the great outdoors is obviously something I’m passionate about. Even so, this was a major challenge for me. It was treacherous! Luckily my Snugpak gear kept me warm and safe but that doesn’t make the sheer drop and the heights any easier!”
There were well deserved celebrations when the team achieved the first objective and now its nearly time for the next target of Cross Fell, the highest point of the Pennines, on 28th February. As you can see from the image it looks nice and warm up there!
Group photo of everyone who took part. From left: Andrew Snape, Rob lewis, Steven Burles, Lee Bilbrough, Alan Turner, Scott Dimbleby, Stewart Anderson, Karl Bradford.
Next month’s climb is Cross Fell, again in the Lake District and momentum is gathering pace for the next one. Already the numbers in the Society ranks have risen from 8 to 10 and no doubt more and more people will be coming on board as the year goes on.
You can follow the exploits of the Walk Society on their Facebook page 12 x 12 Mountain Challenge
To donate to this worthy cause visit www.justgiving.com/teams/12×12 . Just a small donation goes a long way to preserving this valuable life-saving service.