Students push physical and mental limits on Three Peaks climb

Thor Smith and Tom Ross, both 18, took on The Three Peaks Challenge, scaling the highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales, walking for over 16 hours, experiencing wild camping and seeing breath-taking scenery.

Accompanied by UPS teacher Alan Viggers and plumbing technician Kate Earle, the group spent the last weekend of July wild camping and navigating Great Britain’s mountains to add to the funds for DrugFAM, an organisation which provides a lifeline for families, friends and partners affected by someone else’s addiction to drugs, alcohol or gambling.

Last academic year, Thor, Tom, fellow student Sav Kamienowski, 19, and their classmates on the Advanced Extended Diploma in Uniformed Protective Services, staged a fun day at the college’s Derby Road campus to begin the fundraising efforts.

Through the fun day and their mountaineering efforts more than £450 has been raised so far for the charity, which is close to Sav’s heart.

Mountain leader and UPS teacher Alan Viggers said: “It was my privilege to lead an amazing Three Peaks Challenge in aid of DrugFAM. Tom, Thor and Kate showed tenacity, resilience, guts and teamwork in climbing all three mountains with barely any rest.

“They were inspired by Sav Kamienowski, who sadly lost a close friend recently. I’m very proud to have been involved with this team going deep into their physical and emotional reserves. Well done everyone.”

For plumbing technician Kate, the Three Peaks climb was quite a challenge for her, having only taken part in one mountaineering expedition with the college previously.

She said: “It was absolutely out of this world and I’m so thankful that Alan was our leader. I pushed myself to the limit, both physically and mentally. It was an honour to be a part of the team – they showed great support and were amazing at spurring each other on.

“I maintained a positive outlook throughout the weekend, but at one stage I nearly gave up and negativity was creeping in. I was close to saying “I can’t do this” when we were climbing Scafell but Alan was so kind and supportive and soon snapped me out of it, encouraging me to push through. I was lucky to find myself in this situation – I would sign up again in a heartbeat!”

The challenge was completed with little sleep but went without a hitch. The group experienced excellent weather, witnessing multiple sunrises, sunsets and even a cloud inversion with The Peaks appearing above a layer of fluffy clouds.

Thor said: “I really enjoyed The Three Peaks Challenge. I knew it was going to be a big challenge, going through painful hours of mountain walking, but it was all for a good cause. This was so good for me as I made connections with the team, and it brought out a different side to me, persevering through the climbs even if I was deprived from sleep or my legs were aching.”

Tom added: “What a great experience, with some great people. It taught me a lot both physically and mentally, showing that you can do it when you put your mind to it.

“I loved every second, particularly doing it all for a great cause. It was a once-in-a -lifetime experience that I’m proud of achieving.

“The whole team showed such great resilience and determination, all for an amazing charity.”

The group’s GoFundMe page is still open for donations should anyone wish to contribute.