We did it! Branded3 tackled the three peaks

So after six months of fundraising, three months of training, one week of rucksack preparation, and about four hours sleep; it all came down to one day. The challenge of the Yorkshire Three Peaks arrived on Saturday, and the Branded3 team tackled it head on.

With enormous amounts of enthusiasm (and biscuits…) our team battled pouring rain, knee-deep mud-filled bogs, and sheer rock faces to try and complete the 25-mile gruelling trek for Heart Research UK; and we couldn’t be prouder of our efforts.

With the sponsor money still rolling in, we managed to successfully reach our target of £2,000 on Friday night, and we certainly weren’t going to let a bit of drizzle put us off completing the arduous challenge ahead.

It was an early rise for the Branded3 walkers, who arrived in Horton-in-Ribblesdale at 6am; and through dreary eyes and miserable weather; the mountains ahead looked bleak and uninviting. Nonetheless, we didn’t let the weather dampen our spirits, and we set off in hope of completing the walk in under 12 hours.

Tackling the first peak – Pen-Y-Ghent – in the first hour; morale was high, and the skies had even begun to brighten slightly. The long and muddy walk to Whernside was a struggle though, with our legs aching from the first climb, and our feet wet and soggy.

With the second peak being a lengthy and tough upwards climb, many of us were beginning to feel the strain, and unsure about whether we could take on a third mountain. Glucose tablets and energy drinks aplenty, we battled through the discomfort – and painful injuries for some of us – to make it to the third and final peak; Ingleborough.

Step-by-step, rock-by-rock, we struggled up the steep climb to the top, taking a moment to look around at the amazing views (and catch our breath!) and felt a sense of relief knowing we’d climbed a total of 1,500 metres, and the only way now was down.

With the finish line in mind, we mustered up the last of our energy to trek the seemingly endless rocky path back to Horton, where the prospect of a chair and a cold drink had never seemed so appealing!

Although now struggling with agonising aches and pains, we’re all extremely proud of the accomplishment we’ve achieved, and the money we’ve raised for the local charity, Heart Research UK.

Whether it was just the one peak completed, or all three; each one of us put a huge amount of effort into the task and tried our very hardest, pushing our bodies to the limit. With a total of 65,266 steps taken; it’s no wonder we’re all hobbling and limping around the office today!

Thanks to everyone who sponsored us, and there’s still time to donate if you want to show your support for Branded3 and Heart Research UK – just click here. Now if don’t mind us; we’re going to treat ourselves to a cuppa and a sit down…!

BY Felicity Crouch AT 10:59am ON Monday, 20 June 2011

With a deep knowledge of creative writing, journalism, and social media; Felicity is our Marketing Manager. Transforming our impressive achievements into words; Felicity uses her skills to raise Branded3's profile, combining a creative background with a passion for current industry affairs.