Geotechnics employees complete National 3 Peaks Challenge to raise £2,500 for St Kentigern Hospice

Aug 20 2009 by Mark Dowling, Chester Chronicle

CHARITABLE Saltney staff members reached new heights in their three peaks mountain challenge fundraiser.

A team of engineers and geologists at the North West office of Geotechnics, based on the Borders Industrial Park, River Lane, successfully climbed and descended the highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales within the space of 24 hours.

And the group smashed its fundraising target of £1,000 in aid of St Kentigern Hospice, St Asaph, by raising more than £2,500 from the challenge.

The team consisted of Stuart McCrae, of Buckley, Mark Davies, of Llangollen, Jack Dyke, of Manchester, Paul and Phil Hayes, of Penyffordd and Newcastle, with team drivers Ray Macklin and Phil Bain, both of Ellesmere Port.

St Kentigern Hospice helped care for Phil and Paul’s grandmother, Edith May Jones, who had terminal cancer, through the final days of her life.

Staff members began their challenge after a nine-hour minibus ride from the Geotechnics office to the foot of Ben Nevis.

After completing the climb and descent of Ben Nevis in three hours and 50 minutes, staff members completed the climb and descent of Scafell Pike during the night before heading for Mount Snowdon.

The employees battled to successfully complete the National Three Peaks Challenge in 21 hours and 35 minutes.

Paul Hayes said: “It was a great team effort, a bit tiring, but everyone pulled together to complete the challenge.

“The weather was also kind to us – it was one of very few days when the summit of Ben Nevis was clear.”

Donations are still being accepted from Paul’s Justgiving webpage. To make a donation, visit www.justgiving.com/the3peaksmountainchallenge.