Avanti West Coast employees to tackle Three Peaks challenge for charity

• Avanti West Coast employees attempt challenging trek in aid of Railway Children
  
• Team of four will climb highest peaks of England, Scotland and Wales in three-day event connected by rail
• Donations will support vulnerable children in the UK, India and Tanzania

A group of Avanti West Coast employees are attempting a physically demanding charity challenge to raise money for the Railway Children.

The team of four are taking part in the National Three Peaks by Rail event challenging them to complete three gruelling treks over the course of three days, ascending the face of Mount Snowdon in Wales, Scafell Pike in England and Ben Nevis in Scotland.

Starting on Thursday 26 June, a charter train will depart from Crewe in the evening, transporting 200 walkers from the railway industry to Bangor, where the group will commence the first of their walks up Mount Snowdon.

On completion of this, the overnight charter service will continue to Ravenglass in the Lake District, for a morning hike up Scafell Pike. Arriving at Fort William in the early hours of Saturday 28 July for the final day of the challenge, the team will be tasked with reaching the peak of Ben Nevis – the tallest mountain in the United Kingdom with a summit of 1,345 meters.

With an approximate climbing time of 19 hours across the three days, Craig Mortiboys (Regional Growth Manager), Andy Doyle (Head of Operational Readiness), Lucy Weilding (Governance Coordinator) and Sandi Sidhu (Performance Project Manager) are expected to be pushed to their physical limits, taking on the challenge to raise money for Railway Children – a UK-based charity who help children and young people experiencing homelessness in and around railway stations in the UK, India and Tanzania.

Speaking about why she chose to embark on the challenge, Sandi said: “I’ve basically been shameless in my attempts to raise as much money as possible! I’ve been promoting the event both internally at work, and amongst my family and friends. A local business kindly made me a batch of samosas that we sold at a lunchtime in our Birmingham office. They went in minutes! It was a huge success.

“This challenge really speaks to me, not just because of the physical aspect but because it’s something meaningful. The funds being raised provide hope for children who are experiencing homelessness. Railway Children give these kids the chance at having a future.”

Looking forward to the three days, Craig said “Alongside the team camaraderie, I really fancied the physical challenge of something like this. I have climbed Mount Snowdon with colleagues before, but this will be the first time I’ve taken on a physical task so exciting.

“Railway Children is a fantastic charity supporting vulnerable kids in the UK, Tanzania and India. As a new parent, I know how fortunate mine are, so to support a cause offering to help children sleeping rough and being exploited is something close to my heart.”

Rob Capener, Railway Children’s Group Chief Executive Officer, said: ““I’m always so proud of our Three Peaks by Rail event – it’s such a unique way to do the challenge and seeing the impact it has on so many of our supporters is just wonderful.

“While it’s challenging, tiring and guaranteed to make your muscles ache for a few days, we know it’s also hugely rewarding for everyone who takes part, not least for the vital funds everyone raises every year to enable our teams to reach some of the most vulnerable children across India, Tanzania and the UK. A massive thank you and good luck to everyone taking part.”

ENDS