These are the faces of heroes.
Because neither the tallest peaks of the UK, the torturous conditions of minibus travel, or accumulated fatigue were enough to stop them.
They came. They climbed. They conquered.
They are the intrepid explorers of CrossFit Southampton and beyond. And this is the once in lifetime ordeal they put themselves through to raise money for Momentum Fitness Charity.
The National Three Peaks Challenge is a gruelling endurance event that requires participants to climb the highest mountains in Scotland, England, and Wales within 24 hours. The total adventure spans roughly 23 miles of walking, 3,064 meters of total ascent, and 462 miles of driving between the locations.
The team, which included our very own Founder and CEO Charles Balchin and Exercise Therapist Becky Palmer, began their quest on Friday night outside the gym. So, in fine community form, the members waved the minibus off as it drove into the Barton Park Industrial Estate sunset. This, thankfully, would not be the most scenic of their views to come.
To say what this group endured was challenging would be one of the most outrageous understatements you could imagine. Their shift started with a 12-hour drive to Scotland.
“I can only describe this part as pure torture to be honest. In the entire 12-hour drive to Scotland I think I slept for about 20 minutes of it. There was no option but to sit bolt upright with your knees touching the seats in front… worse than a RyanAir flight!” – Becky Palmer, Momentum Fitness Charity Exercise Therapist
There was unexpected mountain descents in the dark due to time changes.
“The hardest part without a doubt was the descent from Scaffell Pike in the dark. The entire mountain was pretty much loose rock. Not too much of an issue going up, but coming down, especially in the dark, meant we all had to be extra careful with every single step. I went to a very dark place on that mountain and the people around me certainly knew about it.”– Becky Palmer, Momentum Fitness Charity Exercise Therapist
But despite the exhausting grind and savage conditions the team were faced with. Each held onto something that kept them going.
“I am so pleased with the amount we raised for Momentum because I know first hand just how much of an impact this money will make. Those kids were the thing that kept me going. I had a choice to give up when it got hard but these kids don’t have that choice and that really was my inspiration to dig deep and keep going.” – Becky Palmer, Momentum Fitness Charity Exercise Therapist
This incredible team raised over £13,000 with their combined efforts and we could not be prouder of them all. Literal blood, sweat, and tears went into this monumental achievement.
“I stepped off Snowden knowing the challenge was complete, I was hit by a huge wave of relief because my body just couldn’t do anymore. Kayley was my descent partner on that mountain and we just looked at each other and cried!” – Becky Palmer, Momentum Fitness Charity Exercise Therapist
We caught up with Charles after the event to ask him how he felt looking back on it all.
“I’m incredibly proud to have been part of this challenge and to have taken on a such a gruelling task alongside some very dedicated supporters. Seeing the level of commitment and determination it took to raise money for Momentum Fitness Charity has been nothing short of amazing.
It gave me the opportunity to witness first-hand the very literal highs, lows and the whirlwind of emotions and pain that this challenge serves. The money we raised is a huge achievement. We’ll use it to continue to fund all our projects, but in particular PB-Active, delivering exercise therapy to children with and recovering from cancer.
Most of our resources go towards this life changing project, yet we’re still without an official funder for it. We rely on community fundraising just like this to keep it running.
Finally, a huge thank you from me to those who signed up and smashed this challenge, as well as to those who donated to them, you really are helping us to change lives through movement.” – Charles Balchin, Founder and CEO of Momentum Fitness Charity