Three Mountains in Three Days

40 year old Will Blanche, from Charnwood, is attempting to climb three of the tallest mountains in Britain is just three days.  What would be a huge challenge for most people on foot, is going to be an even bigger test for Will, who is a wheelchair user.

Will suffers from Spina Bifida and relies on his wheelchair to get about.  He plans to scale the three mountains using a specially adapted three-wheeled chair, which works as a hand bike.

Wheelchair First

Linking the highest points in Scotland, England and Wales, the Three Peaks challenge has become a popular event with charity fundraisers but has never been done before by a wheelchair user.

Looking forward to the task, Will comments: “The terrain will be rough in parts, including large boulders and the weather can change instantly.  The higher up you go, the worse the conditions becomes.”

Challenge

Usually the Three Peaks sees hill-goers take on Ben Nevis in Scotland, Scafell Pike in England and Mount Snowdon in Wales – all in one trip, the challenge is known for being a gruelling undertaking for particpants.  However, experienced mountain guides advised Will that Scafell Pike was too dangerous to attempt with his hand bike, because parts of the path are so narrow.  Instead, Will has opted to scale another Lake District giant – Skiddaw – to complete his marathon trebble.

Adapted Wheelchair

Will is taking part in the challenge to raise awareness of the Jessica Hope Foundation, formed when close family friend, Jessica, passed away, aged just 16, from an aggressive brain tumour.

His adapted hand bike was donated by a Staffordshire company, RGK wheelchair and can deal with really rough terrain and steep hills.  The special chair is designed like a mountain bike but with three wheels and comes complete with eleven gears.  Will operates the ‘bike’ by cycling with his hands.  

“The more training I do the more I think it’s going to be hard but achievable,” says Will.  My colleagues Kevin, Chris and Karl are coming with me and without their moral support, the challenge would not be possible.”

You can follow Will’s challenge here at www.facebook.com/3peaks or click Jessica Hope Foundation here for more on the charity.