The Famous Sterling 5 Do The 3 Peaks Challenge
The Famous Sterling 5 are Neil Mellows, John 'Johnny' Wearmouth, Joe Hunt, Jay Worsfold and Russell Course.
The journey started on Thursday when the chaps took off from Luton Airport to meet the rest of the Dreamflight Goofy Team in Scotland. An overnight stay in a hostel, followed by a day of mental preparation and then the fun began! At 5pm on Friday the group started off up the beaten track. Ben Nevis loomed over them! It was mighty challenge that soon claimed its first casualty. Neil had trained hard for this event but not at this altitude. The rest of the group trudged on as Neil shouted after them 'go on, save yourselves!'. The team was up and back down the mountain by 11pm. Then it was off to Cumbria for Scafell Pike...
...In Cumbria Jay Worsfold had to take a time out from this part of the trek due to a twisted knee. Neil also decided to retire at this point to allow the rest of the team to continue within the allotted time scale. John and Joe took off hand in hand, as Russell had been catapulted into the fast moving Goofy group. No time for a breakfast picnic, this part of the challenge was all over by 9am! Then it was back into the cars and off to Wales...
...At Snowdon, Jay found his second wind! Off he went with Joe at a cracking pace. Johnny 'suffering from a blister' had retired. The Goofy Team moved like a whirlwind. The majority of the team completing the 'mild walk' within the 24 hour time scale. Russ came in 5 mins over and Joe 2 hours later. Despite the heartache Neil, Johnny and Jay faced, the event has generated £7000 in sponsorship and this is still climbing! At least two children have been sponsored for this year's trip to Orlando.
This is a really fantastic achievement - well done The Sterling 5 and well done to the whole Goofy Team.
STOP PRESS: Next year the Sterling board have volunteered to take on the chalice and be the first all Sterling expedition team to complete the 3 Peaks Challenge! Watch this blog...
Posted: 21 July 2009