Peak performance from fundraisers for FORCE
A team of intrepid fundraisers has raised more than £20,000 for FORCE Cancer Charity by completing one of the most challenging treks in Britain.
RGB Recruitment tackled the Three Peaks Challenge, climbing the three highest points in Scotland, England and Wales in just 24 hours.
After a 520-mile trip from Exeter to Glencoe in Scotland the 23 team members ascended Ben Nevis, which, at 1,344 metres (4,409ft), is the highest of the three peaks.
From there, they headed to the Lake District and climbed Scafell Pike (978 m, 3,209 ft) before the final of the three mountains, Snowdon, standing at 1,085 m (3,560 ft).
The distance between the three mountains is about 480 miles with roughly 12 hours of driving time, leaving just 12 hours to get up and down all three peaks.
Epic
Only around 40 per cent of people manage to complete this challenge in under 24 hours.
RGB Principal Consultant Sophie Randle said: “After nine months of organising this epic fundraising event for FORCE, I can honestly say that I couldn't be prouder of the entire team for their hard work, commitment and efforts, which raised just over £20k.
“Managing 23 people while participating in the challenge myself added a lot of pressure to ensure everything went smoothly. Despite some dark moments, I couldn't be happier with the outcome. It was worth every single bit!”
RGB Recruitment is a specialist construction recruiter, based at Winslade Park near Exeter.
The company has chosen FORCE for three years running because the charity is local, self-funded and fits their goal of community support.
Challenge
They have been supporting FORCE since 2022 and had raised nearly £20,000 from a wide variety of events from murder mystery evenings to bake sales.
But this was their biggest challenge of all, as Amanda Clarke explained.
“What a test, not just physically but mentally! We had to dig deep at times and find the strength to push on. As a team we made sure spirits were kept high through not only the painful ascents and descends but the gruelling journeys in between mountains. Even talking about it now makes me emotional and proud!”
The RGB team were joined by staff from global construction company called AtkinsRealis and former Exeter Chief Don Armand and his wife, Rayanne.
James Taylor from Atkins Realis said: "Standing atop Snowdon, our final summit, we were a blend of exhaustion and exhilaration. Ben Nevis had tested our resolve, and Scafell Pike’s rugged terrain had pushed us to our limits. Snowdon’s unpredictable weather threw everything at us. Yet, through every challenge, we drew strength from each other, pushing forward when our legs felt like lead.
Victory
“Completing the National Three Peaks Challenge was more than a personal victory; it was a testament to our teamwork and resilience. Doing this for FORCE added a profound sense of purpose. Each step was for those fighting battles tougher than any mountain.
"At the end, looking out over the vast landscape, we felt a deep sense of achievement and camaraderie. It wasn’t just about conquering mountains but discovering our perseverance and the bonds we formed, all while supporting a cause close to our hearts."
Rebeca Ruiz-Respuela, Senior Project Manager in Project & Programme Services at AtkinsRéalis, said: “It was a fantastic experience and I got a lot more out of it than I anticipated. It was great to raise money for FORCE and it was amazing to receive so many donations.
"We are all touched by cancer in one way or another so I was keen to do my bit. The thought of all those who had sponsored me and those who I have lost to this illness spurred me on.”
Impact
Harry Booth, Senior Project Manager in Project & Programme Services at AtkinsRéalis, added: “It meant a huge amount to me to do something for a charity – although I have not had engagement with FORCE previously, I have witnessed close ones suffering with cancer and to be able to have an impact on helping cancer sufferers and their close friends/relative felt satisfying to say the least.”
Olly Watts, FORCE’s head of income generation, was in Wales to see the team cross the finish line.
“I’m struggling to put into words just how incredible the team at RGB Recruitment have been over the last three years, raising close to £40,000 for FORCE, which goes a huge way supporting local people affected by cancer. The Three Peaks Challenge has been their toughest challenge yet and I want to thank them all, together with the support from AtkinsRéalis, for completing such an epic venture,” he said.
