Two members of the team at Portway Domestic Appliances, the Andover-based appliance wholesaler, are preparing to tackle one of the UK’s most iconic endurance challenges in support of Mencap.
On 15th August 2026, Managing Director Jack White and Head of Marketing Sean Anderson will attempt the National Three Peaks Challenge, aiming to climb Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon within just 24 hours.
The challenge will see the pair cover around 23 miles on foot, ascend more than 3,000 metres and travel hundreds of miles between mountains, all while operating on very little sleep. To complete the challenge within the allotted timeframe, the team plans to set off from the foot of Ben Nevis at around 6am before making the long journey south to tackle Scafell Pike and finally Snowdon.
We caught up with Jack to find out more about the challenge and the preparation involved.
What made you decide to take on the Three Peaks Challenge?
“I think it’s fair to say I made the mistake of recruiting a Head of Marketing who’s a fitness fanatic. Sean convinced me that climbing the three highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales in 24 hours was a good idea. In reality, though, the more difficult and demanding the challenge is, the more awareness it tends to generate and hopefully the more money we can raise for Mencap.”
“We selected Mencap as our Charity of the Year for 2026 because of the incredible work they do supporting people with learning disabilities and their families. If taking ourselves well outside of our comfort zone helps support that work, then it’s absolutely worth it.”
How are you preparing for such a demanding challenge?
“The training is probably the part people don’t see. You can’t simply turn up and hope for the best. We’ve been building up our fitness with regular hikes around Hampshire and Berkshire. But the walking itself is only one part of the challenge. Managing your energy levels across an entire day and night, while spending hours travelling between mountains, is where a lot of people come unstuck. We won’t leave any stone unturned in that regard.”
What will be the biggest challenge on the day?
“There are factors completely outside of our control. The weather on the mountains can change very quickly, and traffic delays can make a huge difference when you’re working against a 24-hour clock. All we can do is prepare as thoroughly as possible and give ourselves the best chance of success.”
Why should people support the challenge?
“At the end of the day, this isn’t really about us,” said Jack.
“It’s about supporting Mencap and helping raise awareness of the challenges that people with learning disabilities continue to face. Mencap works tirelessly to create a more inclusive society through campaigning, support services and community programmes, and we’re proud to play a small part in supporting that work.”
“If people are able to donate, they can be confident that we’ll be doing everything we can to complete the challenge within 24 hours. We know it’s going to be tough, but that’s exactly why we’re taking it on.”
Supporters are encouraged to donate following the Just Giving page, here.
For updates on the day, please follow Portway Domestic Appliances LinkedIn page, here.