And if you think that is all....

...you would be mistaken.

Lets spare a thought for the achievement of these four girls; Jill, Hannah, Vicky and Tanya. These novices climbed four of the highest peaks in the British Isles which in total amounted to almost 14 000 ft and drove almost 1000 miles all in a little over 49 hours. Quite an accomplishment. Their motivation was for a good cause. The Four Peaks Challenge is just one of the ways that the Wooden Spoon charity raises funds for disadvantaged children.

The Wooden Spoon is the children's charity of British and Irish rugby and they dedicate their charitable work to help mentally, physically and socially disadvantaged young people in the British Isles. This year, 2013 is the 30th Anniversary of this and other challenges and to mark the occasion, the 'Raging Bull' rugby legend Phil Vickery MBE will be at the finish.

If you haven't already, it is still not too late to add your contribution in appreciation of the girls valiant effort. They still need your help. You can sponsor them at
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserPage.action
userUrl=TanyaSutton&pageUrl=2&d-49489-p=2


And last but not least, please spare a thought for the sanity of the author..

Ever since the girls first mentioned this challenge to me, a children's nursery rhyme crept into my head and lodged itself - I believe they call it an 'ear worm' and it goes something like this...

A bear climbed over a mountain;

A bear climbed over a mountain;

A bear climbed over a mountain;

And what do you think he saw?

He saw another mountain; 

He saw another mountain;

He saw another mountain;

And what do you think he did?

He climbed the other mountain;

He climbed the other mountain;

He climbed the other mountain;

And what do you think he saw?

He saw another mountain........

Perhaps, now, I can finally let the bear (and the ear worm) go; but if I know my daughter (and I should) she will already be trying to work out how she can do better, to complete the challenge in under 48 hours!!!

Carantounhill

The ferry docked in Dun Laoghaire at 05:45 and from the Ferry port, the team had another 205 mile drive across Ireland to Dunloe which took them a little over 4 hours. 

The weather decided to give them a break and at the bottom of the mountain the sun shone for our wonderful team.
What a difference a day makes!

The forecast predicted moderate winds of 15 mph and temperatures of 13 degrees C with sky slightly obscured by cloud (I think that means partly cloudy in my language)



Carantounhill, located in County Kerry, is the highest mountain in Ireland at 3414ft (1039m)

 The 3.9 miles to the summit seems much longer, especially on the way back, and remember that our girls will be exhausted by this time.The average time taken in 2012 for this climb was 4 hours 25 mins. 

At Carantounhill, the drivers sometimes join the climbers in what is known as the 'Driver's Challenge'. As you might expect Tanya was not daunted by this challenge. She joined the three  amazing climbers, Jill, Vicky and Hannah and the four of them set off for the fourth and final peak at 10:56 but it was not to be an easy climb.

picture courtesy  of www.johnsmyth.ie 2009

When they reached the most difficult part, the Devils Ladder - with its loose rocks and sheer drops - things started to go wrong. The team were shocked as they witnessed a climber from another team slip, and the marshals had to be called to assist. This unnerved them, particularly Hannah who has been courageously fighting an issue with heights. Hannah found that she couldn't continue!

Jill, Vicky and Tanya continued on to the summit but their triumph was a little dimmed because of their missing team mate.

However on their return, found that Hannah had waited for them at the Devils Ladder so at 17:22 our four magnificent Hunnies crossed the finish point, exhausted yet euphoric; giving them a time of 6 hours 18 mins for the climb and a time of 49 hours and 20 mins for the entire challenge.Tears of pride and joy at the completion of this monumental challenge was order of the day!

The team were awarded the Wooded Spoon prize and even managed to get Phil Vickery to autograph the wooden spoons.

One of the other Chesterton Humberts teams were awarded a prize for the most money raised.

Well done Chesterton Humberts Hunnies! The team should have called themselves the Chesterton Humberts SUPER Hunnies. 

We applaud you all.

Snowdonia to Dunloe Carantounhill

The stamina and determination of these four girls is extraordinary. I am utterly lost for words.

After a hearty dinner and the relatively short drive (1 1/4 hours to the ferry port at Holyhead)...

Yes, ladies can snore like men!

Pure luxury - a few hours sleep at Holyhead Ferry Terminal 

 ...the team managed to get their heads down for a short time before boarding the ferry which sailed at 02:30. 






In their allocated cabins, another few hours of sleep were snatched before they were up again when the ferry docked at 05:45.

Snowdon

Fatigue is starting to take its toll on climbers and driver alike. By early afternoon the Chesterton Hunnies arrived at The Legacy Royal Victoria Hotel  in Snowdonia after a 200 mile drive. There had been major congestion on the A66 which was the main route so Tanya was forced to take an alternative route to ensure that the team arrived in time. 

At the hotel, the team had to go through a kit check and then set off again to the Pen-Y-Pass car park 5 minutes before their start time at 15:40.

 After negotiating the treacherous road to the drop off point and back, the drivers filled their vehicles with fuel and returned to the hotel for refreshment. They were hoping  to snatch a short cat nap while they waited for the sodden climbers to return.

The weather was really conspiring against the girls. With sheets of rain and a bullying wind to contend with, the climbers were wet, cold and tired even before they set off to climb Mt Snowdon.

Vicky had a fall but pulled through like a trooper.

Snowdon is the highest mountain in Wales at 3559ft (1085m)

With a little over 4 miles to the summit and the same back down, past teams say that Snowdon is the easiest of the four peaks but we have to remember that it is the second peak that the girls will climb in the day. 

The average time taken for this climb in 2012 was 3 hours 25 mins. The girls returned at 20:26 which gave them a time of 4 hours and 46 minutes. They had to be escorted by the marshals because they were lucky last. But they made it!! 

Not bad when you consider the weather! They say that there was no visibility at all and it was almost like climbing blindfolded.

WELL DONE, we are so proud of you all!


After the climb, hot showers and warm dry clothes, the team came together for a pub dinner at The Heights before they once again piled into the car. 





The drivers have approximately 1 hour 15 mins to drive to Holyhead to catch the 02:30am ferry and a further 4 1/2 hours drive to Carantouhill. The weather forecast for the ferry crossing doesn't look too bad with  scattered showers and a 10% chance of rain. Wind speed is expected at  15 mph

Happy Sailing!

Helvellyn

The rain that came in through the night didn't improve. Actually, it appeared to get worse and as it turned nasty even the sheep seemed to take cover. It didn't stop the midges coming out though.

Nevertheless, the three courageous girls set off  at 06:05 with a bright smile and a cheery wave as they crossed the bridge for the start of the Helvellyn climb.
Helvellyn, in the glorious lake district  is England's second highest mountain at 3114ft (950m) The average time for this climb in 2012 was 2 hours 26 mins.

The team were expected to climb Helvellyn before their pre-booked cooked breakfast, massage and shower at the Cricket club and they made it in good time. They completed the climb by 08:58 giving them a time of 3 hours 3 mins.

By 07:15, Tanya, the driver had tidied the car in preparation for the climbers return and even managed to grab a quick shower before a welcome cup of coffee. All this on a cat nap of a little over an hour. The weather continued to deteriorate and the girls were very cold and wet when they came off the mountain and were grateful for the warm car and more importantly, the hot shower and hot breakfast.

No time to linger, the team set off for the 200 mile road trip towards Snowdon which is expected to take them about 3 1/2 hours.

2 down 2 to go well done girls !!!

Ben Nevis to Helvellyn

Ben Nevis

Team out of sight

Ben Nevis was shrouded in mist and the girls were soon lost from sight but their enthusiasm wasn't lost.

Hunnies in the mist

Triumph as they the girls reached the peak of Ben Nevis.

While the drivers prepared for their return.






The girls completed their climb of Ben Nevis, crossing the line at 21:40. 5 hours and 42 mins after starting.

There was time for a quick shower - probably the quickest shower a girl has ever had - and a bite to eat before leaving Fort William at 22:44 and heading towards Helvellyn, only 235 miles away!

The drivers stamina was tested next as they drove through the night. As was expected, the weather closed in and the drivers had to battle through pouring rain, arriving at Threlkeld Cricket Club just before 4:00 am. They didn't even bother to find their designated sleeping spot as they only had a little over an hour to sleep before preparing for the next climb.


If you haven't already, it is still not too late to add your contribution in appreciation of the girls valiant effort.
You can sponsor them at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserPage.action?userUrl=TanyaSutton&pageUrl=2&d-49489-p=2


And a huge THANK YOU to those who have already sponsored them.

Ben Nevis - The highest one first

The Four Peaks Challenge, which must be completed in 48 hours, is all about team work. Each team of four comprises 3 climbers and 1 driver. The driver ensures that the climbers have all their basic needs met such as food, water, snacks, climbing gear, change of clothes etc. and in addition the drivers will climb the last peak. The three climbers have to assist each other on each climb. Each peak is not considered 'conquered 'until all team members have returned. If a climber is injured and unable to continue, the driver must be prepared to switch places with the climber (providing that the injured party is able to drive) to keep the team intact. If the injured  party is unable to take on the driving then the entire team must withdraw from the challenge.

Chesterton Hunnies Roadside Breakfast

The Chesterton Hunnies team met with their colleagues this morning (another three teams representing Chesterton Humberts) and after the team briefing and last minute instructions, they  set off at 8:00 from the hotel. They had a two and a half hour drive to get the team to the registration point for 11:30  in Fort William,  breakfast was eaten along the way.

For safety reasons, the climbers have staggered starting times which was given to them at the time that they 'signed their life away' at the registration post. The Hunnies time was 15:58 and they were all tagged to ensure no cheating. They then had plenty of time for a leisurely lunch -probably their last for a while; and last minute shopping.

 Ben Nevis is Britain's highest mountain at 4406ft (1344m). mist covers the mountain most of the time and if you think the girls are simply off for a summer hike, think again! Snow covers the mountain for 8 months of the year; often well into June and July, with average temperatures of -1 degree C (Brrrrr!!!). Good Luck Girls!!!

The start of the Challenge at Ben Nevis

The 48 hours started counting down at 15:58 this afternoon.  The walk to the summit is just over 5 miles so the team will have to complete the ten mile 'stroll' in these harsh conditions before they re-join their trusted driver. The average time taken in 2012 for the Ben Nevis climb was 4 hours 18 mins.  They will be expecting warm dry clothing and a hot drink on their return so Tanya, the driver will have it all ready for them.


The drivers refuel their vehicles and prepare them for the next leg, set up camp, brew a cuppa  and snatch forty winks ahead of their  5 1/2 hour, 235 mile scenic (in the dark) drive to Threlkeld Cricket Club near Helvellyn. where they will spend the rest of the  night.

One day to go

With just a few hours to go, the Chesterton Hunnies (Tanya, Vicky, Hanna and Jill) are limbering up for the start of this gruelling challenge. Leaving Chippenham soon after 11:00 this morning, all fired up with enthusiasm, they headed for Stirling where they will spend the night. The first peak to climb is Ben Nevis outside Fort William in Scotland.

Spirits are high and the adrenalin is higher as the four courageous ladies put their concerns to one side and look determinedly to the start. Questions that plague them, like “Have we trained hard enough?”  “What if I let the team down?” “Why did I let myself be drawn into this insane situation?”  are all pushed to one side as they take a deep breath and head for the first of the four peaks.

It is still not too late to add your contribution to this worthy cause. 

Beside their precious time, the Hunnies still have to dig deep themselves as they put in the first £100 worth of fuel needed just to get to the start.