Three Peaks Challenge by Rail 2023

The challenge - the only event to undertake the National Three Peaks challenge by train - is organised by Railway Children, a global charity that provides protection and opportunity for children with nowhere else to go and nobody to turn to.

The team began the three day event in Crewe, on Thursday 15 June, departing by steam train to Snowdon, to hike overnight. The team then travelled to Ravenglass to climb Scafell Pike, before travelling by train again, up to Fort William, to climb the UK's highest mountain, Ben Nevis.

All four members successfully completed the challenge, raising almost £7,000 for the charity.

Simon Hirst, VolkerRail’s senior finance manager and VolkerRail Three Peaks team member, said: “Taking part in this challenge was an amazing experience. Although the hot weather on Friday made climbing Skafell Pike pretty brutal, everyone did an amazing job; pushing themselves to their limits to ensure we reached all three summits. Out of 44 teams, our team was first to summit, and first to reach the bottom of each mountain. A great achievement.

“I’d like to thank everyone who donated. We are delighted with the amount we have raised, which will do so much to help protect children across the UK, India and East Africa, who run away or are forced to leave their homes and end up looking for shelter and safety at train stations.

“On the journey home, we celebrated with the other teams and were awarded a ‘Party Coach’ prize for our celebratory karaoke session – another event highlight.” Railway Children’s events manager, Katie Mason, said:

“We want to say a huge thank you to all of our incredible supporters who took part in the Three Peaks by Rail challenge. Over £250,000 has been raised – a record breaking amount – which will change so many lives across the world.

“We are beyond grateful for all of your support, including our participants, volunteers and our fantastic sponsors.”