August 2008

Well we did it, but it was extremely difficult – probably one of the hardest things we have done. So the money raised for Prostate Cancer and CRY has been well earned!

We started in good spirits at Ben Nevis, all coming through with flying colours. A difficult climb – cold and wet at the top, and coming down as the night began to fall.

The trip to Scafell Pike was long and the legs started to stiffen up. We arrived at 3.30am – it was raining and getting going was difficult but we set off.

Do not be fooled by Scafell Pike – it may be the smallest of the three but at night in the rain with no obvious path it was extremely difficult.

Many other teams got lost (not us though). Some of our B team struggled greatly under the pressure of the climb – physically exhausted and pushed to the limits – but we carried on. We got to the top as conditions were particularly bad and then the fun part as the climb down was even harder.

This didn’t leave us much time. The A team started up Ben Nevis an hour after the B team so they had a cushion as well as being stronger climbers. As we approached Snowdon we realised it was going to be close. We had 3 hours 20 minutes to get up and down.

We got ready in the mini bus, screeched to a halt, ditched the rucksacks and went for it with water bottle and energy bars in hand. We got to the top in 2 hours which was a great pace considering what we had done previously. A brief “lets go for it” scrum at the top then we ran down, completing with 10 minutes to spare, which was a great feeling.

As for celebrating – 2 pints and an early night! It is only now we are appreciating what was achieved. Our times varied from 21 hours 45 minutes to 23 hours 50 minutes.

Everyone’s support was really appreciated and kept us going – especially on Scafell Pike. We have raised around £6000 to be split between the two charities.

Jonathan Simpson
Prism Architectural