Young people scaled three of Britain’s highest peaks to raise more than £1,000 for charity.
A group of 22 youngsters, aged between 10 and 16, completed the Three Peaks Challenge as part of the Dreamscheme, organised by Amber Valley Housing, Guinness Northern Counties and Derbyshire County Council.
At the end of February they presented cheques to their two chosen charities - Macmillan Cancer Support and the Derby City Hospital Special Care Baby Unit.
The Dreamscheme is a regular school holiday activity programme, which offers young people the chance to get involved in community activities in return for a reward - such as a day out.
Last summer the young people decided they wanted to do something different and so the organisers decided to put on something extra special in the form of the Three Peaks Challenge.
The event was funded by Amber Valley Housing, Guinness Northern Counties, Derbyshire County Council Youth Opportunities Fund, E.on, North Star and Derbyshire Community Foundation.
Sarah Whattam, community development manager at Amber Valley Housing, said: “The young people took part in this event with great enthusiasm and worked really hard to complete what is a really difficult physical challenge.
“It’s great that they wanted to get out and make the most of their summer holidays and we’re all really proud of what they achieved. Their fundraising will make a difference to the work of these charities and the presentation was a good opportunity for them to meet the representatives and find out more about their work.”
The three peaks challenge involves climbing the highest peak in England – Scafell Pike, which stands at 978m above sea level – the highest in Wales – Snowdon (1085m) and the highest in Scotland, Ben Nevis (1344m).
Among those to have taken part were Michaela Barrett and Craig White. Michaela said: “I thought it was very good and I would love to do it again.”
Craig said: “It was an absolutely shattering experience, but I would love to do it again. I am really proud to have achieved this challenge and I learnt how to work as a group.”
Rob Lawrenson, Derbyshire fundraising manager for Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “Cancer can be seen as an older person’s illness but it does affect younger people and it is great that these young people are already thinking about it and raising money to support those affected.
“Our Macmillan healthcare professionals help people at every stage of their cancer journey - offering vital support right through from diagnosis and during their treatment. We are very grateful for donations to help fund this work.”
If you are an Amber Valley Housing or Guinness Northern Counties resident with a child aged between 10 and 16 and would like to find out more about Dreamscheme, contact the Dreamscheme Development Officer on 01773 573100.
