Four Avanti West Coast colleagues battled warm temperatures and high humidity to complete a Three Peaks challenge for charity.
The team, who have raised over £4,000 for the Railway Children charity, consisted of Alyona Bennett, London Euston Station Manager; Justyna Freimane, Onboard Assistant Service Manager; Ben Unsworth, Onboard Manager; and Andrew Jarvis, Senior Procurement Manager.
They participated alongside over 200 other colleagues from across the industry as part of Railway Children’s annual Three Peaks by Rail challenge, collectively raising over £200,000.
Setting off on Thursday 25 June from Crewe by a special charter train, the team climbed the three highest peaks in Wales, England and Scotland – Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis, respectively over two days.
The team pushed their physical and mental endurance in tough conditions during the heatwave with temperatures soaring above 30 degrees Celsius. The extreme hot weather unfortunately meant that for safety reasons they had to stop just short of Scafell Pike’s summit.
The 48-hour challenge concluded with scaling the UK’s highest peak, Ben Nevis, which stands at 1.2km tall and is located in the Scottish Highlands.
Money raised from the challenge will go to Railway Children, a UK-based charity who support vulnerable children at risk of abuse, neglect, or homelessness in the UK, India, and Tanzania.
The team have been greatly supported by their colleagues, with home-made baked sweet treats donated for cake sales held in Avanti West Coast’s office spaces at London Euston and in Birmingham leading up to the challenge.
Alyona said after completing the challenge: “That was one of the best experiences of my life, and I am so happy to have done it for such a worthwhile cause. With the high temperatures and humidity, it was difficult at times but we came together as a team to push each other towards the finish line.
“For me, I was inspired by colleagues who have previously completed the Three Peaks by Rail challenge, and I’m so glad I took part.”
Andrew added: “The support from colleagues within the business has been incredible, and I’m really proud of all four of us for completing the climbs in some very challenging conditions.
“This was a unique opportunity to do some different and push myself, whilst in the process raise money for Railway Children – who are such a worthwhile cause.”
