Whitehaven man completes the 3 peaks in aid of charity

Aaron Chapman started the challenge which involves climbing the highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales (Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon) on April 20, and finishing on April 21.

Whilst completing the three peaks, Aaron was also raising money for local charities; Animal Rescue Cumbria and Every Life Matters. Aaron spoke about why he chose to raise money for the animal charity, he said:  “I chose Animal Rescue Cumbria due to it being a local charity. I appreciate what they do as I love dogs and it's a shame that so many get neglected and need rehomed, dogs make great companions and are a man's best friend."

Aaron and his friends during the challenge (Image: Supplied)

Aaron and his friends have a walking group on WhatsApp  where they all decided to attempt the 3 peaks challenge together, and raise money for their own chose charities. Aaron spoke about his preparation during the build up to the start date, he said: “ I was running everyday alongside work which was difficult because of my 12 hour night shifts and I work in Somerset so I am not home very often."

The group at the bottom of Snowdon after completing the challenge. (Image: Supplied)

"But every time I was home I was trail running, hiking, taking my children out on walks and climbing Scafell at night time as we were up there on the challenge at midnight so it was very dark."

The group had the weather on their side during the challenge, Aaron said: “It was fantastic. We couldn’t have asked for better weather. The weather was bad when we were checking in the weeks leading up to it but when we got there it was great. I got sunburnt on Ben Nevis!"

"The challenge was very difficult, and I would advise anyone who wants to do it to train for it. It was a fantastic experience to do it and with a great group of friends."

Aaron and his best friend, Phil Palmer during the challenge (Image: Supplied)

Whilst the preparation clearly paid off for Aaron as it took him just 37 minutes to from the top of Ben Nevis back to the bottom, he was having to catch winks of sleep between each location. He said: "At Snowden, I was asleep on the bus, and the guys had set off so I went from sleeping to running in five minutes, to catch them up."

Aaron has raised over £1,500 for Every Life Matters and Animal Rescue Cumbria, he raised the money including sponsorships from work which he is collecting in now.

Aaron wearing his Animal Rescue Cumbria t-shirt (Image: Newsquest)

Marion from Animal Rescue Cumbria said: "We are so grateful to Aaron for choosing to support Animal Rescue Cumbria through this ambitious charity challenge.  Our shelter has never been so full of abandoned and unwanted pets and without the support of fundraisers like Aaron, and all those who donate, we simply couldn't help the number of animals who so desperately need help right now. "

You can donate online here.