A group of local volunteers have raised over £3,000 for the Erme Valley Riding for the Disabled centre in their preparation for the national three peaks challenge.
Erme Valley RDA, based near Ugborough, is a unique equestrian facility that strives to give disabled people of all ages the opportunity to both enjoy the sheer exhilaration and the therapeutic benefits of horse riding and being around horses in a safe and structured environment.
The group aims to provide education through equine experience, which ranges from providing fun and enjoyment, improving self-esteem, offering independence, and improving communication, balance and co-ordination.
The charity is wholly reliant on donations, fundraising, and support from the local community.
Five volunteers from the group will be attempting to complete the three peaks challenge to fundraise for Erme Valley RDA during the week beginning July 23. The team consists of Hugh Reade, Rosie Sice, Zoe Walters, Eleanor Halton and Brian Thurston, along with Paul Sice and Paul Halton, who have taken on the important roles of driver and navigator respectively.
The challenge involves climbing the three highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales over a 24 hour period. These include Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Mount Snowdon, which amounts to over 27 miles of hiking and over 3,000 metres of climbing.
The team will begin their challenge in Fort William with Britain’s highest peak, Ben Nevis at 4pm on Tuesday, July 24, with the aim to complete the peak by 9pm. The team will then drive to the Lake District to climb England’s Scafell Pike through the night, before travelling the last leg of the journey to Wales, aiming to conquer Snowdon, and complete the challenge, by 4pm the following day.
The team have a Justgiving page for donations, which can be found at: