The team from Austin Hawk Estate Agents has shown grit and determination in their attempt to conquer the Three Peaks Challenge in aid of the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at Southampton University Hospital.
The group began their mission in Scotland, successfully summiting Ben Nevis in an impressive 4 hours and 55 minutes. Standing at 1,345 metres, Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the UK, and completing it safely was a huge achievement. “Proof in the pudding,” the team said. “For anyone who wants to do it – train hard and you’ll smash it. No injuries, just a few moans and groans, but plenty of smiles knowing we’d achieved what many won’t ever attempt.”
With mountain one completed, Dean took on the long drive south while Robin, Lewis and Luke recovered ahead of the next climb. However, weather warnings began to intensify. Thanks to advice from Susan Kirk, the team learned that conditions at Scafell Pike were becoming increasingly dangerous, with river floods and advice from Mountain Rescue not to attempt the climb.
Despite their determination, the relentless weather forced the challenge to end at Scafell Pike. With conditions on Snowdon also deemed unsafe, the decision was made – in agreement with fellow walkers – to stop for safety reasons.
“Devastated is an understatement,” the team admitted. “But safety always comes first. It was clear everyone was heading home due to the weather warnings.”
This is not the end of the mission, however. The team has pledged to complete the challenge in 2026, carrying forward their competitive spirit and determination to see the challenge through.
Thanks to the generosity of supporters, nearly £3,000 has already been raised for PICU, a cause that means so much to the team. Every donation, message and show of support has kept their morale high, even in the toughest conditions.
The team are due back in Andover at around 4:30am – exhausted but proud. “We will not be defeated,” they said. “This is just the beginning – and we will finish what we started.”
The donation page remains open, ensuring the PICU continues to benefit from the fundraising efforts until the challenge is completed.
