This month ten of Hays maddest recruits set off to Inverness to attempt the three peaks challenge. The team raised over £3000 for Marie Curie Cancer Care.
The 24-hour challenge involves trekking to the top of Ben Nevis in Scotland, Scafell Pike in the Lake District, and Snowdonia in Wales – all within 24 hours. As driving time is included in the time limit, sleep is limited to cars when travelling in-between mountains. Equipped with poles, compasses and copious amounts of water the team set off on Ben Nevis late Friday afternoon. Several injuries, blisters, and 23 and a-half hours later the first few recruits made it back to camp to complete the challenge.
‘It was exhausting but exhilarating. We had no idea how hard it was going to be and it was impossible to tell how, you - as an individual - would cope with it,’ says Sarah Swailes, who took part, representing Hays Senior Finance. ‘It isn’t an easy challenge to prepare for – there aren’t many mountains in London!
‘Getting to the top of Ben Nevis was easily the most exciting achievement because it was the first mountain and the highest. About ten minutes from the peak we found ourselves negotiating our way through several feet of snow, with visibility reduced to ten feet. All we could see was white and more white. That was pretty scary as we were aware that no more than 20 feet away was the mountain edge, but we couldn’t see it!
‘As well as being physically tough it is a mentally tiring challenge. Having no more than a few hours of sleep in between mountains in a cramped car did not bode well for spirits when arriving at the foot of the next mountain. We had to focus on staying upbeat and remain as determined and focused as possible! Due to our time restrictions we had to fill our stomachs where possible, so dinner came from a service station. It should be noted that a soggy sandwich and a pack of walkers are not sufficient fuel for a 26-mile trek up mountains!
‘It appeared to be a popular weekend to do the three peaks and we met lots of other groups of mixed ages and abilities. One man completed it in nothing but a pair of running shorts and appeared to sprint the whole thing - that was pretty surreal!
‘As a team we too were mixed abilities and encouraged each other as much as possible. Unfortunately we encountered several injuries that meant finishing wasn’t possible for everyone.
Teresa Thorrington-Allen, National Director at Hays Senior Finance said: ‘We are really proud of the team and the money raised for such a valuable charity.’
Sarah Swailes completed the three peaks in 23 hours and 35 minutes. Those that completed the three peaks are now looking forward to their next challenge!
In the UK Marie Curie raise money for terminally ill cancer patients. Hays has partnered with Marie Curie since Aug 2006. Research has shown that 75% of people who are seriously ill with cancer would like to be cared for at home. Marie Curie Nurses make that wish possible for thousands of cancer patients in cities, towns and villages across the UK every single year.
For more information about Hays Senior Finance, go to our senior finance jobs and qualified accountant jobs section.