We listen to our clients to understand their unique challenges and then develop solutions designed to help manage operating expenses and boost overall return on investment.
The UK’s National Three Peaks Challenge takes on the three highest peaks of Scotland, Wales and England and in 24 hours none the less. After a discussion between the team at a BMS teams day we had our willing volunteers to take on the challenge to raise money for the mental health charity, Mind.
Mind is a charity close to all the team members hearts, with mental health affecting all of us, whether that be us personally or family and friends. Mind provides help and support to empower anyone experiencing mental health issues.
Every year one in four of us will experience mental health issues. With Covid and the cost of living increasing, charities like Mind are needed more than ever.
The challenge
Ben Nevis
The challenge properly started at the foot of Ben Nevis, Scotland’s highest peak at 1,344 metres, at 6am Saturday morning.
From start to peak and not forgetting back again was a total of 10 miles. It was cold, it was dark and it was raining but that did not deter team BMS who were all in good spirits and ready for the challenge ahead.
Team BMS was made up from across the company with varying abilities. Due to injuries, two of the team members took the decision to return early and not achieve the peak so that the rest of the team could carry on with the overall objective in mind. A true reflection of how BMS work together, team achievement over personal achievement.
The team reached a very snowy and cold summit in 3 hours and 35 minutes.
Distance walked 14.26km
Total steps 32,348
Height achieved 1,352 metres
Scafell Pike
Living on a diet of water, isotonic drinks, flapjacks, sweets and protein bars, the team travelled 250 miles south from Ben Nevis to Scafell Pike. Scafell Pike in Cumbria, at 978 metres is sizeably smaller than ‘the Ben’, but equally challenging, nevertheless. The mountains of Scotland provided breath-taking views through the clouds across the Grampian Mountains and for Scafell it was the calming views of the Lake District to inspire us.
Traffic dependant, the journey was expected to take around 6 hours in the minibus. Some of the team took the chance to catch a very limited amount of sleep, while others lost time playing Mario Kart, Eye Spy and crosswords. Morale was high as they reached a very dark Scafell Pike.
Head torches at the ready, plenty of deep heat, ibuprofen and tape the complete BMS team hit the mountain.
The very rocky, wet and steep terrain put every team member to the test but sticking together, through the clouds and 50mph winds the team reached the summit in 1 hour and 58 minutes.
Distance walked 8.47km
Total steps 18,029
Height achieved 984 metres
Snowdon
A very sore and tired team BMS travelled through the night to Snowdon. On arrival at 6:30 Sunday morning the challenge organisers informed the team that reaching the Snowdon summit would not be possible as the weather conditions were unsafe with winds of 75mph. At very best, the team could push to reach the half way point but with weather conditions set to get worse, they needed to set a pretty fast pace.
Two of the team members waited patiently at base unable to take on the three of three due to injury or fatigue, but as always this was a team effort and the rest of the team were cheered off ready to tackle Snowdon.
The BMS team set a very good pace and reached just beyond the half way point before the event organisers made the decision to turn back due to the very strong winds.
Distance walked 12.03km
Total steps 18,852
Height achieved 782 metres
The team arrived back at base at 9:30. Did we miss the 24 hour target? Yes. But did we as a team conquer the three highest peaks in Scotland, Wales and England and perhaps the UK’s toughest climbing adventure? Yes, and so much more!
TOGETHER we raised an astonishing amount of money for a good cause. We worked tirelessly as a team showing just how well we can pull together to achieve the toughest of challenges and had fun whilst doing it!
Now for the next challenge, watch this space …
Team BMS would like to thank everyone who supported them with the challenge by way of donations and well wishes, it really meant so much. To date, the team have raised a massive £7294.00 for Mind and it is not too late to donate
