Salford residential home staff tackle Three Peaks challenge for garden transformation

Staff of a Salford residential home have completed the National Three Peaks challenge as a part of a fundraising project. 

The Haines House staff finished the challenge raising funds for a garden transformation for young people with autism and learning difficulties, who currently benefit from the home.

The funds will also provide the young people a pendulum swing in the garden.

The current total stands at £740, towards a target of £5,000.

The challenge led by Together Trust Charity, was to climb Great Britain’s three tallest peaks: Snowden in Wales, Scafell Pike in the Lake District, and Ben Nevis in Scotland.

And despite some harsh weather conditions, the staff were able to complete the first peak, Mount Snowden earlier this year.

Administrator Lisa Oliver stated : “On 23 March, we completed 30,000 steps and 12.5 miles.

“It was a tough one, the weather wasn’t on our side when we got closer to the summit. Bitterly cold side winds (-14) and ice, but we did it.”

Lisa and her brother Lee then went onto conquer the second peak of the challenge, Scafell Pike on 3 August.

She continued: “We started the climb at 7.30am and reached the summit at 10.30am with over 25,000 steps and 13 miles walked.

“The weather was beautiful but the view from the top wasn’t great as 3/4 of the way up, the cloud descended.

She added: “We even managed to tick off an extra Wainwright and did Lingmell Fell too.”

The challenge was finally completed, when Kevin Clarke, registered manager at Haines House, completed the final mountain Ben Nevis on September 29.

Along with family and friends, he was able to stand at 1,345 metres, the highest peak of the challenge, completing it under favourable weather conditions, despite an initial ominous forecast.

The staff have also initiated several other activities in an effort to raise more money for the cause, which include cake sales, tombolas, and the sale of artwork created by one of the young people they support.

The fundraising efforts are ongoing and they welcome any contributions via their Just Giving Page.