The self-named ‘PEAKY WALKERS’ are getting ready to take on an incredible walking challenge this month: climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, and Snowdon in a 26-mile hike with an ascent of 9843ft all in 24hrs.
Pictured above wearing their #WeAreFresh Futures t-shirts, the walkers are taking on this challenge to raise awareness and funds for YCC; a charity that seeks to Improve Lives and Inspire Change. You can support the walkers, and keep track of their fundraising progress, HERE.
Meet the Team:
Mark Farmer, YCC’s CEO
Hi Mark, how are you linked with YCC? I joined Fresh Futures as CEO back in November 2020.
What made you want to take on this challenge? Well… it was my idea! And the team thought that it was a good – albeit crazy one! I did the walk many years ago and it can be done – we have a great team giving it a go and I think we will do really well!
How do you feel about the upcoming challenge? I’m actually really looking forward to it. I walk regularly so I feel confident in my fitness. It’s the slog up Ben Nevis that’s the hardest mentally but it comes first and it will get better from then.
Do you have a message for those who are supporting you and the team? THANK YOU! As a charity we need your support to keep growing our services and reach more people. Please wish us luck!
Rob Edden, Head of Finance and Support Services
Hi Rob, how are you feeling in the lead up to this challenge? Great. This has always been on my bucket list, and it’s great that it gives us the opportunity to raise awareness and funds for Fresh Futures that will help us to develop our services.
What thoughts/emotions do you have when you think about the challenge ahead? Excitement! We’re going to see some great parts of the UK. I’m also looking forward to some team bonding and of course finishing on the Sunday night!
How have you been preparing for the walk? I’ve been doing lots of regular runs and walks and taking on some hilly terrain including the Yorkshire Dales.
What’s your message to the members of the community who are sponsoring you on this walk? Please share our message as far as you can! If you can give financially that’s great, but let’s also be vocal about the needs and services we provided. See you on a hill with us next time 🙂
David Gill, former Fresh Futures Caretaker & Member of the Local Community
Hi David, what’s your affiliation with YCC? I worked for Fresh Futures for 4 years until a little while ago. I absolutely loved the job! Fresh Futures does a lot of caring work for the community and I’m very happy to be involved in this fundraiser.
How are you feeling about the walk? I feel fine, I do a lot of walking every day, but I’ve never climbed two of the three mountains that we will be taking on before.
What’s your message for those out there who are supporting you on the walk? I’m going to try my very best to walk all 3 mountains!!!
Rebecca Lund, Receptionist at Batley & Huddersfield
Hi Rebecca, what made you want to sign up to this huge challenge? I wanted to challenge myself and even if I only manage to climb one of the mountains, I’ll know that I still did the best I could and helped to raise money for the charity.
How are you feeling in the run up to the event? I feel nervous but excited at the same time. I’m also really proud to walk for YCC! We are a charity that helps people throughout the community. Through Covid, Fresh Futures really came together and this is shown by the award we received when we were a finalise for the Covid Hero award earlier this year!
Have you been doing any activities to get you ready? I have been going on my exercise bike 4 days a week, and as a group we have also been going on a few walks after work to build our resilience.
What would you like to say to everyone who has been supporting the charity’s 3-Peaks event? I would like to thank everyone who supported me and those who are encouraging us on the walk!
Janine Lomax, Receptionist at Huddersfield
Hi Janine, are you feeling ready to take on the 3 peaks? I’m very nervous with a little excitement mixed in. This will be a great opportunity to really push myself mentally and physically.
Why is Fresh Futures an important charity in your eyes? Fresh Futures helps to many people within the community from young to the elderly!
How have you been getting physically and mentally prepared for the challenge? I have an exercise bike that I’ve been pushing myself on. I’ve also been walking daily with my daughters and as a walking group, we have also been out completing various walks.
What would you like to say to those who have sponsored you? I just want to say thank you so much to the people that have supported me and the other walkers on this challenge, the support has been overwhelming!
