Two intrepid partners at Hazlewoods, the Gloucestershire based accountants and business advisers, took on the arduous Three Peaks Challenge to raise funds to help seriously or terminally ill children.
Scott Lawrence, Head of Hazlewoods Charities and Education Team, and Stephen Dick, Financial Planning Partner, attempted to climb the three highest peaks in Scotland, England and Wales, all in one go.
Scott managed to conquer Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon in an astonishing 20 hours 58 minutes, but sadly Stephen was forced to call a halt after suffering a knee injury which made it impossible for him to continue.
However, bruised and battered and nursing some very painful limbs, both partners were delighted to have raised hundreds of pounds in sponsorship for Starlight Children’s Foundation, which helps brighten the lives of seriously ill children.
Scott said: “I have taken on some challenges and entered a few races but nothing compares with the Three Peaks Challenge.
“The intensity of ascending and descending three mountains over marathon distances against the clock with little or no sleep, covering more than 1,000 miles cramped in the back of a van and struggling to take on board enough food and water was really tough.
“We were a great team and the spirit was amazing. Although we unfortunately lost Stephen to a knee injury he contributed so much to the challenge and it was sad that he could not complete it.
“Now after the event we are nursing various aches and pains but we all have an amazing sense of achievement and are delighted to have had the support of sponsors and raised so much for Starlight Children’s Foundation.”
Stephen added: “It was a fantastic achievement by the team to complete the challenge well within the 24 hours and I was really disappointed not to have been able to complete it. The whole team spirit was amazing throughout and now we’re looking for our next challenge!”
Hazlewoods has a long track record of raising funds for charity and this year staff will be taking part in various fund-raising activities for Hazlewoods Charity of the Year, Sue Ryder’s Leckhampton Court Hospice.