15 June 2005 00:00 Central Networks Nottinghamshire engineers scale three heights for charity
Eight determined craftsmen from Central Networks’ Moorgreen Delivery Centre in Nottinghamshire have raised £3,042 for charity after scaling the country’s three highest peaks in less than 24 hours.
The craftsmen took on the gruelling challenge last month and will now donate their sponsorship and E.ON UK’s matched funding to the Nottinghamshire branch of the MacMillan Trust.
Overhead linesman, Kevin O’Donnell, from Nottinghamshire, was one of those taking part.
He said: “It was very tough on all of us but we’re all really pleased that we completed the three peaks in a great time and raised a fantastic amount for charity.”
The challenge started at Scotland’s highest peak, Ben Nevis, with the climbers setting out at dusk on Saturday 7th May before being driven through the night to Scarfell Pike in the Lake District.
The men arrived at 3am on the Sunday morning and climbed through the darkness to reach the summit, before making their way down and tucking into a well deserved fried breakfast.
Dave Bedding who also took part in the challenge said: “Climbing in the dark was a very strange experience. We relied on torches, our maps, compass and abilities to get to the top safely.
“By the time we got down we were all beginning to feel the strain and our fry up was very welcomed and much enjoyed!”
The next mountain was Snowdon in Wales which they managed to scale by 6pm on the Sunday evening and then headed back to Nottinghamshire to catch up on some sleep.
Dave said: “We have to be fit in our jobs and all enjoy the outdoors but climbing all three peaks in such a short time took a lot out of us. Despite the blisters and aching muscles we all had great fun – it was an incredible experience and one we’ll never forget.”
Moorgreen engineers, Dean Woodward from Mansfield and Gary Widdows from Nottingham, were the generous guys who gave up their weekend to do the driving.
“We owe a big thank you to Dean and Gary who gave up their time to drive us around the country and helped keep our spirits up. They also had control of the stop watch and made sure we didn’t slip on our schedule,” said Kevin.
“We’d also like to thank Central Networks who paid for the minibus and our fuel.”
In addition to Kevin and Dave from Chesterfield, Dave Walker from Ilkeston, Rob Speed, Craig Speed and Dave Stacey from Mansfield and Kevin Johnson from Arnold all took part in the 24 hour challenge.
Ends
Notes to editors:
• Central Networks is the new name for Midlands Electricity and East Midlands Electricity. The company brings power to 4.8 million customers across the East and West Midlands through 133,000km of underground and overhead cables and via almost 97,000 substations;
• Central Networks covers an area from the Peak District in the north to parts of Bristol in the south, and from the Welsh Borders to the Lincolnshire Coast.
For further information and pictures of the climbers contact:
Rebecca Middleton on 024 7642 5779
Out of hours, call 024 7642 4000 and ask for the duty press officer