Littlehampton team to rise to mountainous task

But climbing three of the UK’s tallest peaks, in just 24 hours, non-stop, is the ambitious task a band of adventurous fundraisers have set themselves.

Next month, Gavin Simmons, Lee Cullen, Rob Devo, Jon Street, Ben Cumberland and Tony Day, from Littlehampton and Arundel, will be taking on the Three Peaks Challenge.

They will be setting off on August 15, driving a total of 1,325 miles, climbing 11,177ft and walking about 30 miles as they scale Snowdon, in Wales, Scafell Pike, in England, and Ben Nevis, in Scotland.

They hope that by taking on the trail they will raise much-needed cash for two good causes, the Chestnut Tree House children’s hospice, in Poling, and the RNLI lifeboat station, in Littlehampton.

Gavin, of Sussex Street, Littlehampton, is a current lifeboat volunteer with the town’s service, along with fellow climbers Rob and Lee.

He said: “This should be a good challenge.

“We’re all relatively fit because of our jobs but none of us are athletes.”

The intrepid group aim to tackle Ben Nevis first, before heading south to Scafell and finishing at Snowdon.

Throughout their efforts, the team of six will be supported by Nick Miller – who also volunteers with the RNLI – and Gavin’s partner, Hayley Allen.

Jon, who is serving in the Army, will be leading the expedition.

The majority of funds would go towards Chestnut Tree House, with the rest supporting the lifeboat station, in Fisherman’s Quay.

In preparation for the trek, the group will be holding a fundraising fish ‘n’ chips quiz at the Fish Factory, in East Street, Littlehampton, on July 29.

Revellers will be treated to a two-course meal and a fun quiz.

The evening will be kicking-off from 6.30pm, with food from 7pm.

Tickets for the night are £13.50 per person and are available by calling the Fish Factory on 01903 715000.

Alternatively, to make a donation, see uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/rnli3peakschallenge or visit the lifeboat station shop in Littlehampton.