Students attempt Three Peaks Challenge

13 medical students from Warwick University will be attempting the Three Peaks Challenge on June 18.

The famous challenge involves scaling the three highest mountains in the United Kingdom in 24 hours.  The attempt will begin at 5pm on June 18, and will last until the same time on June 19.

The mountains are Ben Nevis, 1134 metres high, Snowdon, at 1085 metres, and Scafell Pike, which is 978 metres high.

Setting off from the foot of Ben Nevis, the total distance of the walk is estimated to be 44 kilometres. With a total ascent of 9,800 metres, the overall climb will take the medics the equivalent of one-third of the way up Mount Everest.

The group have already started preparations for their undertaking. The organiser of the expedition, Charlotte Mundell, said: “We have been on a training expedition to Snowdon, for which the weather was not kind. We got so wet and were battered by high winds so we are hoping the weather will be much kinder for the real challenge.

“We will be driving and climbing and climbing non-stop throughout the night, thanks to our lovely volunteers who will be getting us there.”

The group are raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support. Ms Mundell commented: “We decided to do the challenge for Macmillan Cancer Support because it is a tremendous charity, and they are so supportive in ensuring that no-one faces cancer alone.”

Ms Mundell added that “we have raised £1000 so far, and we aim to at least double this.”

The group are raising money through the Just Giving website. Anyone wishing to donate or are looking for more information should visit this page.