Dicom Three Peaks Challenge 2009

Final Total

2009-10-15T09:20:00.002+01:00

Finally, we have our grand total to announce!

All the forms, cash and cheques have been calculated and verified by an independent adjudicator and the total amount raised by Dicom Ltd doing the National Three Peaks Challenge is (drum roll please) ...............

£5328.50!!!!!!

For the final time, we'd like to thank all the participants and everybody who supported us during training and the event itself. We couldn't have made this unforgettable experience possible it without you!!!

Our Drivers

2009-07-21T09:11:00.005+01:00

Our awesome drivers Bryan and Jason:

What can we say about our drivers? They were superb! We couldn't have done it without them. They made good time without excessively speeding gaining us crucial minutes in our challenge. They were a great laugh boosting our morale when we were down and so supportive when we needed it most! Cheers guys! You're the best and we all mean that!

Here are their thoughts on the weekend:

Hi Everybody.
I hope you are all feeling fit and well and ready for a short wall next Saturday "The Yorkshire 3 Peaks"
and on the way back we can climb Snowdon to be different any takers??

Just a quick e-mail to say I have had the most boring weekend possible, driving around the country a bunch of very serious but happy go lucky walkers to start with, which soon disappeared to a bunch of quiet and slightly worried not so happy walkers, after the short climb of Ben Nevis.

On a serious note I would like to take the opportunity to congratulate all of you on your great achievement not only as a group but individually, I had a great time you are all amazing. Sorry for making a few of you feel travel sick as I drove steadily like Postman Pat to and from Wasdale.

What's the next challenge??

Cheers
Bryan

Last but not least, me. I can tell whose actually been working today.

What can I say?????? Here goes, a thank you to:

Lucy for giving everybody the enthusiasm, drive and organisation needed.
Steve for his Strength showing how to battle through after Ben Nevis and Scafell when he decided to try and break-dance on the mountain resulting in a dislocated his finger.
Craig for his knowledge, leadership and snoring which kept me awake while at the wheel (which was lucky for us in the Picasso).
Stevie for his compassion, his I will do this attitude and for reminding us all some legs should never see the light of day, I've eaten chicken drum sticks with more meat on.
Dawn for making us all laugh, being able to fart better than any bloke I know and for giving me nightmares hoping never to see pants that big again.
Leigh for as usual keeping us all entertained and helping moral with a drive to complete the challenge with hardly any training.
Mick for the steely determination shown after Ben Nevis, giving support to all and confirming you are made of granite.
Ann for showing us all what a great achievement this really is, I will bow to this lady forever she's got the biggest bollocks I know and for her never ending smile.

Special thanks below for 2 guys not at Dicom who have given up their time to be with a bunch of nutters.

Dean for his endless energy, that guy has got to be on something! His conversation which kept me baffled finally coming to the conclusion he's from the Birmingham area, As a guide absolutely bloody useless took Lucy down the wrong track but I think that was well planned, can't believe you fell for that old chestnut Luce, I must remember that the next time I go out down Mansfield.

Bryan, Bryan, Bryan. My co driver, Dawns bitch, U get the biggest praise of all, How the hell do you live with Dawn and you've not got one grey hair? U were a tower of strength, fed me (hence the best praise) and it was a pleasure to spend my time with you, we'll definitely get together and have a proper drink. If I weren't an Adonis and attracted to luvly girls (as all the cars piping when I was stark bollock naked washing my weapon confirmed) I would have you as my bitch anytime, I'd never move of the settee.

As you all can see with the time of this e-mail I'm totally knackered, it's taken me longer to type this shocker than it did to drive you fanbloodytastic set of people from Scafell to Snowdon. As I said at the beginning WHAT CAN I SAY?????????????????????????

Best regards,

Jason Greatorex

Three Peaks Pictures

2009-07-20T14:32:00.010+01:00

The crazy gang at the bottom of Ben Nevis about to start the mammoth challenge!A 4.45pm start and we were hit with a steep ascent to begin with. Great!

The climb continues ...

I finally got my wish and saw Snow! Lucy and Dawn decided to make the most of it and had a snowball fight. Kids at heart!

Lucy fooled around at the summit.

It was so cold up there. Brrrrrr!!!!!!!!

This group photo at the top tells the story of Ben Nevis - cold, wet & miserable!

We clambered down in 5 and a half hours and moved on to Scafell Pike starting at 4am in the pitch black.

Another group photo at the top and once again its cold, wet and miserable.

Scafell Pike was achieved in 4 and a half hours and we headed to our final peak - Snowdon.

We began clibing Snowdon at 1pm. (above) Lucy was the first to reach the summit of the final mountain along with our 'guide' Dean. They were closely followed by Craig and Dawn (below)

Then it was Steve and Stevie (myself). We look well pleased!

Leigh wasn't too far behind us either borrowing a camera for a shot at the top.

Mick and Ann were amazing and their smiles show how much it meant for them to climb all three!

We all made it down to the bottom to successfully complete the challenge and now we were all genuinely smiling.

The champagne then came out to celebrate! Cheers!

The final photo of us all at the bottom including our two drivers and we wouldn't have done it without them! Well done everybody.

(left to right, top to bottom) Craig, Bryan, Steve, Leigh, Ann, Mick, Jason, Stevie (me), Dawn and Lucy.

Reflections

2009-07-20T13:47:00.002+01:00

DICOM LTD’S THREE PEAK CHALLENGE 2009!!

Dear all

I’d just like to thank you all for such a fantastic time this weekend and all the weekends we have done in preparation. I’ll never forget this time and all the sights we’ve seen, laughs/Ann’s windups!! etc. we’ve had. Everyone has done and been brilliant it has been quite an experience and achievement.

Dawn please thank Brian again he was a star.

Craig please thank Dean for all his encouragement and the use of his stick (I wish I’d got that bounce he’s got!!).

Thanks and well done again guys.

Ann
X

P.S.

What we doing next year?!!!

Well done!!! It’s an amazing achievement and everybody did really well! I’m so proud of each and every one of you.

I’d love to say I enjoyed it but I didn’t one little bit! It was hellish but the end result made it all worthwhile.

Thanks to everyone who took part and it’s safe to say that (for me anyway) it’s a once in a lifetime experience.

Stevie

Can I just echo what’s already been said but also add this. I couldn’t have done it with seven better people and two better drivers and that is what really made the weekend for me. What a team. What a group of friends. Thanks.

Mick

Thanks to you all for a fantastic weekend!

I can honestly say it’s the hardest/toughest thing I’ve ever done but I wouldn’t have wanted to do it without you guys – what an achievement for all of us.

Thanks for putting up with my windy moments, which were rather frequent I know!!!

I don’t think we’ll ever see each other in the same light again, do you?

Jason & Bryan you were both fantastic, thanks for getting us there & back safely you really were the ones that pulled it out of the bag for us & made it all possible.

This is something that I will never forget, thanks for giving me the opportunity to do something like it & Craig thanks for being my walking buddy.

Lots of Love to each & every one of you,

Dawn
xx

What started out as a bit of fun has turned out to be an incredible experience for me. I’ve learnt a lot this weekend, firstly that a group of people can reach different goals within the same challenge, that being part of a team can enable you to do things that you didn’t realise you could and also that I have a fantastic group of friends who have spurred me on through what has been the hardest, but most definitely the most rewarding 24 hours I have ever had.

Thanks everyone.

Lucy

What more can be said........?
The week-end was a truly memorable and rewarding experience. Maybe, with hindsight, once the aches, pains and fatigue have worn off, we’ll even look back on it as fun and enjoyable !?!

Wearing my boring business hat, what is clear to me is that the success of the challenge has gone far beyond what was achieved during the week-end. The whole project in terms of planning, preparation and practice has really helped to make a group of individuals gel into a team. Many companies spend £’000’s on organising outward-bound, team-building exercises but we did the whole lot ourselves and, as a result, the benefits are genuine and will be sustainable.
So, huge thanks to everybody for throwing themselves into the adventure with such enthusiasm and commitment – it was a brilliant, brilliant effort by everybody.

Craig

Not sure what I can add to that......

Thank you all for sharing a memorable weekend, thank you for helping me when I was struggling, particularly Leigh in walking down Ben Nevis and providing the horse tranquillisers on Scafell, hope I provided some laughs although it was a bit odd to see pink elephants and dinosaurs on Scafell. Thanks also Stevie for helping me up Snowdon when all I wanted to do was lie down and die peacefully.
Finally thanks to Dawn’s wind providing the turbo to get us between mountains. To be serious thanks Bryan and Jason for making the time up that we needed to achieve our times.

Also a mention to our walking wounded Anne and Mick, you should be proud of yourselves for battling through the pain and being so determined to finish, I honestly do not know how you did it, my achievement pales into insignificance compared to what you must have gone through...incredible.

What an amazing experience, some lows but many more highs, I will never forget it, especially if anyone ever mentions a walk again.

Same again next weekend???

Regards

Steve Lenton

I can only echo what has already been written, this for me has been one of the hardest yet most rewarding challenges in my life so far. At low points in the challenge (which for me were plentiful ) I never lost sight of the reasons why I took on the challenge, this alone was more than enough to pull me through, but accompanied by a good team and the chance of seeing Steve Lenton in his smalls again, and again, and again was all I needed. On a different note, mentally this for me has made me realise what, with the right mind set you can achieve and for that I would like to say thanks, It really was a truly memorable weekend.

Leigh.

Success!

2009-07-20T09:36:00.002+01:00

WE DID IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A big congratulations to everyone! We all successfully completed all three peaks! Well done!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A big thank you to the drivers too! They were brilliant and without them we would never have made it!!!!!

Also, I'd like to say a big thanks to everybody that has sponsored us. The total currently stands at £4500 but we still have more money promised so thank you ever so much. It is all going to a really good cause and will make a massive difference to people's lives!

Cheers everyone! :-)

Congratulations

2009-07-13T09:04:00.002+01:00

I am pleased to announce on this monday morning that we have now exceeded our target of £3000!!! At present we have raised £3388 but it doesn't stop there. There is still time to raise even more!

We'd just like to say a big THANK YOU to everyone who has contributed to our cause!

Sponsorship!

2009-07-10T16:00:00.002+01:00

With almost a week to go before the event we are well on our way to achieving our target of raising £3000 for Marie Curie Cancer Care. We currently stand at £2890 which is a tremendous effort but we're hoping for one final push to take us past our goal.

Could you be the one that takes us past the golden £3000?!!!!!!!!

Donate now at http://www.justgiving.com/dicomthreepeakschallenge2009 or post a cheque made payable to Marie Curie Cancer Care to the address below:

Dicom Ltd
Lydford Rd
Meadow Lane Ind Est
Alfreton
Derbyshire
DE55 7RQ

Thanks again for your amazing support!

Scafell Pike - Training Walk 4

2009-07-08T15:46:00.002+01:00

Saturday passed saw us hit the road again for another training walk. Sadly, this would be our last one before the real even in less than 2 weeks time!

We headed off to tackle Scafell Pike in the Lake District which would mean we'd attempted 2 of the 3 peaks we'll be climbing on the day of the challenge. It would be valuable experience on what is thought to be the trickiest climb to do.

Another early rise saw us travelling up there at 6am, to fit it all in in one day. There was no accomodation beforehand this time around. The route was 4hrs long and I'd started eating my way through my food supplies long before we arrived!

The sun was shining and the scenery looked gorgeous as we pulled up in the carpark near Wasdale Head. We parked at the car park near Wasdale Campsite out of the village itself. we'd read that this was a better place to begin and allowed us straight on to the climb with no trouble at all. A quick bite to eat and a couple of photographs took place before beginning the ascent on what was a popular day as the car park continued to fill as we set off.

Our climb up wasn't too bad. It started off pretty steep but a couple of rests every so often certainly helped us in the long run. The heat was again a troubling factor early on but we all welcomed the breeze and few spots of rain that met us later. The sky was really clear as we continued our ascent but the paths weren't clearly defined so it was easy to see how people could get lost on gloomy, dark days. We, on the other hand were lucky yet again as we could see the majority of the way up. The path splits about half way up though and there are two options to take. Left is the preferred route as it's not as steep although it is a bit longer. This was confirmed as we looked to the right and could see the ascent in the distance. it looked like a gravel path which could be tricky if the rain stayed on for a while.

As we reached the last ridge, we could now see the summit. However, we were entering the mist and before you knew it we could barely see 5 yards! It was really spooky and the scary thing was how quickly it changed. As we all gathered for the final few hundred yards and we put on our jackets (the mist was cool and damp) the path became clear again and we reached the summit in 2hrs 5mins! The traditional photo's at the top were taken with the scary mist lurking in the background. We had a bit of lunch and prepared for our descent.

The mist continued to drift in and out as we worked our way down the same path as we came up but after 20mins or so, all was clear again and it was back to t-shirts and shorts. We got a bit of a gallop going on the main stretch down and we were flying until the rain began to fall. It wasn't too heavy but it was a telling factor as it made the rocks and path very slippy indeed. A few of us found it a lot easier to walk on the grass and we gathered momentum as we neared the bottom.

There was a minor hiccup when we missed the bridge at the bottom but Brian soon spotted our mistake and it was rectified with no real trouble. We returned to the car in a total time of 3hrs 50mins which was really encouraging. Anything around 4hrs was impressive for us and given that we're allowing 5hrs on the day, we had a significant comfort zone.

We all set back off home with huge smiles knowing we'd had a really successful day but now we all looked nervously on to a week on saturday when the real challenge takes place.

We're quite sad that our training walks are over really but we've had success and been really lucky with the weather. But who knows what the day of the challenge holds for us!

Yorkshire 3 Peaks - Practice Walk 3

2009-06-29T11:59:00.005+01:00

The working week begins again and we're all recovering from a long hard weekend. Our latest training walk took place on Saturday - a 24mile trek in the Yorkshire Dales National Park taking in the peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough that form part of the Pennine range.

We all headed up to North Yorkshire after work on Friday night having to booked to stay over at a local B&B the night before. This would allow us to have an early start which is needed to complete the walk in the day. Our accomodation was the Marton Arms Hotel in Thronton-in-Lonsdale and we'd recommend it to anyone. It is a beautiful place which we found to be very popular on our arrival with the bar and lounge area busy with travellers and locals. The rooms were spacious, comfortable and accomodating with everything you required. All the staff were friendly and approachable and it made a good start to the weekend.

We rose to meet for breakfast at 6am on the Saturday and headed to our starting point of Horton-in-Ribblesdale for 7am. We officially started walking at 7.20am and headed for the first peak of Pen-y-Ghent. The village was packed with many others having the same idea of the earlier you start the better. It was a muggy morning with lots of mist around but the main thing was it was dry. The first peak's climb came pretty soon after starting but the summit wasn't visible with the low cloud leading to curious minds and us not knowing just how far we had to go to reach the top. The opening ascent was tough at first until we got our legs going and our blood pumping. We all reached the top safe and sound and were all chuffed to bits that we'd begun well.

We continued onwards after a short break and made good progress across the hills heading towards the second peak of Whernside. The sun broke through as we made the mammoth trek from Pen-y-Ghent along the Pennine Way and across some boggy moors. The heat only added to the challenge that lay ahead and we all welcomed the odd breeze that arrived now and again.

The second climb was different form the opener. It was longer but not as steep but with the sun beaming down us it was tough at times. Whernside was the highest peak of the three and as we all arrived at the top within 15mins of each other, we took the time to sit and have some food and save some energy for the second half of the walk. The views from up here were great although some mist still lay low. We could however spot the third peak of Ingleborough that lay ahead of us and began our descent. The descent down Whernside was awkward to say the least. It was steep and rocky and a few of us opted to stumble down the bank instead of the treacherous path. We did all make it to the bottom in one piece though.

Our walk towards the third and final peak took us past a little barn that supplied pints of orange squash with ice! Our saviour! We all stopped for some much needed refreshment at a bargain 80p. We all would've easily paid double at this point and many other walkers clearly felt the same as the queues grew larger by the second.

Unfortunately, shortly afterwards a determined Brian pulled up with his much troubled ankle causing too much pain to handle. He had however managed to walk for 7hrs and around 18miles which he should be proud of. He stayed behind at a local pub (not such a bad idea after all) whilst the rest of us marched onwards and upwards. The path took us towards the final peak of Ingleborough and this is where it got really tough. Being on our feet for so long clearly played a part but the steepness of the ascent caused the most problems. It was a slow, tough clamber up the rocks to the summit and at this point my knees and thighs were feeling it and a few short breaks were required to regain my breath. We did all make it to the top though and once again not far behind each other. At this point we all agreed that Brian had made the right choice as the climb and the descent to come were steep and unkind and weren't worth the risk with his ankle. The views from up Ingleborough were fantastic! It was really worth the slog up there and you could see for miles.

So to the last stretch back to Horton-in-Ribblesdale. This is where I, for one had to battle through. It was much longer than I thought and we all agreed that the signposts must have been misleading as it dragged on and on. We did all make it though with the first few returning to the car in 10hrs. Colin actually broke free at the end to break 10hrs though and achieved his late goal. The rest of us followed them in and we all finished within 20mins of each other. A great achievement finishing around or just over 10hrs! Much better than what we could've expected.

We returned to the B&B (via the pub to pick up Brian) and all stayed for something to eat before setting off on our separate ways back home or elsewhere.

It was an awesome day though and everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves and we are all very proud to have completed the walk. It was hard work but well worth it in the end.

Please check out our photo's on a separate post. Next up is Scafell Pike this coming Saturday. Less than three weeks to go until the National Three Peak Challenge and our main goal now. It's come around fast.

Yorshire 3 Peaks - Photo's

2009-06-29T11:30:00.009+01:00

Donations Update

2009-06-02T09:34:00.003+01:00

Just like to say a big thankyou for the recent donations we've recieved from our customers and suppliers.

Acorn Lifting, Futur, Olympic Compactor Rentals, Solid Swivel and Giles Insurance Brokers have all made a pledge recently which has now taken us past half way towards our target of £3000!

If anyone would like to make a donation or just like to check on our progress, then you can visit the following site:

http://www.justgiving.com/dicomthreepeakschallenge2009

Once again, thanks very much to everyone who has donated!

Snowdon - Practice Walk 2

2009-06-02T08:59:00.008+01:00

Unfortunately, not everybody could make it to Snowdon at the weekend, either due to ill health or prior arrangements but those who did go had a fantastic time! The conditions were perfect with the sun shining and a little breeze to keep them everyone nice and cool.

As you can see from the photographs, the climb was well worth it and with not a cloud in the sky, the views were stunning. It was pretty busy on the day with the car parks all being full and everyone taking advantage of the weather I suppose.

The climb took 4hrs 20mins but had quite a few stops and a break at the top for a bite to eat, so we're confident that we can cut a lot off that time on the day of the event.

It was a great day out though which even included an open top bus ride, stone skimming and an ice-cream each! I thought this training was meant to be difficult! Sounds a like a walk in the park to me!

Snowdon

2009-05-27T09:26:00.002+01:00

The first big practice walk is fast approaching. This coming Saturday we'll be attempting to climb Snowdon. Some of us have already experienced this but for others it's their first time climbing a mountain.

I personally don't know what to expect having never done anything like this before. It is sure to be a worthwhile experience though and will illustrate just what we have ahead of ourselves in the weeks to come. We are all very excited though and looking forward to it, despite the early rise.

Check in next week to find out how we all got on.

Transport Update

2009-04-30T14:20:00.007+01:00

We would like to take this opportunity to thank Citroen and TCH Leasing who have kindly provided us with a Grand C4 Picasso 1.6HDi Exclusive EHG and a Dispatch Combi L1H1 1.6HDi 6 seater for the event. We are extremely grateful for their generosity and would not have been able to attempt the challenge without their help and support in providing our transport. Thank you!

Dovedale - Practice Walk 1

2009-04-27T15:54:00.009+01:00

*Above: Steve Lightfoot; Steve Lenton; Mick Shaw; Lucy Holmes; Dawn Carlisle; Becky Trower; Leigh Clarke; Ann Horsley (From left to right back to front)

On Saturday, we attended our first group practice walk at the lovely location of Dovedale, Derbyshire.

The sun was shining when we awoke in the early hours. The forecast was heavy rain though so we were hoping to rise early and miss it. Most of us met at work at 7am (me at 7.15am thanks to a dumper truck doing 15mph!) where we grouped together in a few cars and headed to Dovedale car park for an 8am start.

The chosen walk was taken from a Peak District Walk's book and lasted 8 1/2 miles starting and finishing in the main Dovedale car park. The first stint was a nice steady opening across a few fields and into the village of Ilam passing the church, memorial cross and the lovely Ilam Hall. A nice, flat wooded walk followed although the fresh air was disturbed by a few at the back with wind problems! Before we knew it, we hit a long winding road that took us up into the hills. This incline really took it out of us so early on but once we made the top it flattened out and we all had a chance to recover. Another steady stint across fields and over stiles led us down towards Stanshope. A sharp steep descent took us down through the valleys into Milldale where we began to come across signs of life other than sheep and lambs! Then we entered the final stint of the walk alongside the River Dove. From here it was a long but pretty flat walk back to the Stepping Stones at the bottom of Thorpe Cloud.

Feeling refreshed, we decided to attempt Thorpe Cloud which stood before us. As we began, the heavens opened making the climb more difficult under foot. However, we all clambered to the top and were rewarded with some stunning views. There was enough time for a few photo's and Leigh to sort out a breakdown now he had a mobile reception, before beginning the descent back down the way we came.

A short walk took us back to the car park where we began and then we headed to the pub for a beverage and reflected on our first group walk. A pint later, we headed back off home and looked forward to the next meeting.

The charity is chosen

2009-04-06T16:07:00.010+01:00

We have chosen Marie Curie Cancer Care as our benefiting charity for the Three Peaks Challenge. All of the money we raise will go towards providing expert home nursing and research throughout Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and East Staffordshire.

Marie Curie Cancer Care is one of the UK’s largest charities and was established in 1948 adopting the name in honour of the contribution that the famous scientist Marie Curie made to the development of radiotherapy treatment through her discovery of radium.

Through choosing to support them, we hope to help them achieve their aims of providing care for today and hope for tomorrow.

So it begins ...

2009-03-24T13:48:00.003Z

On July 18th 2009, a group of Dicom Ltd employees will attempt to achieve the National Three Peaks Challenge. The Three Peaks Challenge involves climbing the highest peak in England, Wales and Scotland, within 24 hours. The Peaks are Snowdon (Wales - 1085m), Scafell Pike (England - 978m) and Ben Nevis (Scotland - 1344m).

Here you can follow the challenge from the very start, hear all about our training right through until we achieve our goals in the summer. There will be regular updates from various participants, even as we attempt the mammoth task itself.

The challenge will be carried out to raise as much money for a chosen charity as possible. The charity is yet to be selected but due to the importance of the decision it will be done so in the near future.

I'd like to welcome all our readers and hope you follow and support us on this testing journey.