Workmates aim for Peak success

AIMING high . . . (from the left) team members Andy Anstess (45), from Rochdale, Mathew Cassidy (22), from Rochdale, Paul Hay (34), from Oldham, Ashley Tombs (19), from Oldham, Shaun Todd (30), from Oldham, David Culshaw (39), from Wigan, and Neil Lees (38) from Rochdale, in training in Snowdonia

A GROUP of work colleagues have set the stage for the challenge of a lifetime.

A team from Shaw’s Northern Stage Services Ltd aim to complete the famous Three Peaks Challenge in just 24 hours to raise cash for Cancer Research UK.

The nine men, plus a support team, set off on September 17 and have enrolled the help of the stage and lighting company where they work.

They are currently in training in preparation for conquering the three highest mountains in England, Scotland and Wales — Scafell Pike, Ben Nevis and Snowdon.

The company has agreed to pay for the team’s transport during the challenge and are helping to raise money.

They have circulated details of the challenge within the industry and beyond, it has been featured at two exhibitions and progress reports are being featured regularly on the company’s website, www.nstage.co.uk.

The men will climb more than 11,000ft and drive 450 miles in 24 hours — a huge challenge involving plenty of training and commitment.

Spokesman Paul Hay said: “We decided on Cancer Research UK as a lot of our team have been touched personally by cancer. We are therefore proud to be involved in the fight against cancer.

“Even though the idea to do the challenge was thought up about six months before the event, the team began training immediately and soon came to realise how hard it was going to be. The level of commitment, sacrifice and organisation required is immense.”

Lizzie Jones, area volunteer manager at Cancer Research UK, said: “We are thrilled that the men from Northern Stage Services are taking on this huge challenge to raise vital funds for Cancer Research UK.

“The tremendous dedication they have shown in their training is truly inspirational and will make a huge contribution in helping fund the work of Cancer Research UK.”

If you want to support the team’s challenge, go to its page on www.justgiving.com/nstage.