We are delighted to announce that a fundraiser whose grandfathers both served in the RAF has raised more than £2,600 for the Veterans' Foundation by completing 24 Lake District peaks in just 36 hours.
James Mooring covered 28 miles and climbed more than 12,000 feet while battling torrential rain, flooded mountain routes and winds reaching 60mph during the Lake District 24 Peaks Challenge.
James, who works as a civil servant for the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, part of the Ministry of Defence, had trained hard for what was already going to be a serious physical challenge.
He spent much of this year making sure he was 'hill fit’, with the Edale Skyline and Yorkshire Three Peaks among the demanding routes he completed in preparation.
But even his rigorous training could not have prepared him for what was to come.
Around 40mm of rain fell in just a few hours on the first day.
Winds gusting at up to 60mph knocked several members of the group off their feet, while water rushed down the mountains and blocked both the planned route and alternative routes.
“I was very glad to be with a group. I genuinely think I would have panicked if I had been going solo, as the planned route and alternative ‘safe’ routes were all blocked by rainwater gushing down the mountains,” said James.
“It was a hugely rewarding experience after so much hard work throughout the year.”
Day two was a different story, as the weather cleared and conditions improved.
James reached the summit of Helvellyn above the clouds before tackling the steep climbs of Seat Sandal and Dollywaggon Pike.
Thirty-six hours after setting out, he had completed all 24 peaks.
His challenge has so far raised £2,623 for the Veterans' Foundation, which is far more than he originally expected.
Supporting the Armed Forces community has both personal and professional significance for James.
Both of his grandfathers served in the RAF, while his work with the Defence Infrastructure Organisation enables him to contribute to the military community through his role as a Ministry of Defence civil servant.
“I am over the moon to have raised money way beyond expectations while achieving a personal goal,” he continued.
“The Veterans' Foundation is a charity partner I truly believe in, with close family ties and my own professional contribution to the community as a civil servant for the Ministry of Defence.”
Money raised through the challenge will help the Veterans' Foundation support organisations providing vital assistance to serving personnel, veterans and their families throughout the UK.
Donations can still be made through James’s fundraising page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/vfdio24peaks
