VolkerRail team triumphant after Porterbrook Three Peaks challenge
Over three days in September, a team of four from VolkerRail conquered the Porterbrook Three Peaks challenge by rail, raising over £6,000 for the Railway Children charity, which saw them crowned the event's Cup Winners.
The challenge - which is the only event to undertakes the Three Peaks challenge by train - saw the team began their three day adventure in Crewe. From there, the team travelled to Wales, to hike Mount Snowden overnight, before travelling to the Lake District to climb Scafell Pike. The final leg of the challenge saw the team travelling up to Fort William in Scotland, finishing the momentous three day challenge by climbing the UK's highest mountain - Ben Nevis.
Daryll Harker, construction manager – E&P, said: "It was a great event, which was very well organised, and as the only challenge which does the three peaks by rail, it was a unique experience."
Unfortunately, the weather over the three days wasn't too kind, with mist and drizzle on all three summits.
Ben Mather head of engineering and multi-discipline design, who had previously completed the challenge, said: "It was tougher than I remembered – perhaps due to the wet weather!"
The weather didn't dampen anyone's spirits and the team happily soldiered on, completing the challenge as Cup Winners, in recognition of their efforts in raising the most money for Railway Children.
Commenting, Richard Arnold, project manager – signalling, said: "I thoroughly enjoyed the challenge, and it was great to finally meet my colleagues in person; although definitely one of the toughest things I've done!"
Andrew Wilkins, finance director, commented: "It was a wonderful experience with an amazing team, and I would encourage anyone to sign up in the future.
"The crowning glory was definitely being Cup Winners, and VolkerRail being recognised as having the most generous employees and supporters of any rail business!"
Railway Children have thanked VolkerRail, saying: "This year's Porterbrook Three Peaks challenge by rail was a huge success once again – and everyone at Railway Children wants to thank you so much for your support in making it happen.
"After a difficult time, full of uncertainty, it was only thanks to your role as headline sponsor that the event was possible, and with your generous support, we were able to make sure everyone had a brilliant experience, and at the same time, allowed them to raise an amazing £170,243!
"That amount of money will genuinely help us transform the lives and livelihoods of children and families that need us around the world."
