Yell Takes to the Mountains - 8 August 2001
Two intrepid teams from Yell’s Reading headquarters, will put their physical and mental strength to the test next month (September) with the aim of raising at least £10,000 for one of the town’s leading charities, Children’s Aid Direct.A total of nineteen Yell people will take part in the gruelling 24-hour Three Peaks Challenge, which entails scaling the three highest mountains in the UK - Ben Nevis in Scotland (1344m), Scafell Pike in the Lake District (978m) and Snowdon in North Wales (1085m). Back-up drivers will transport the team on a round trip of 500 miles between mountains and supply them with food, water and encouragement.
Each participating team has to aim to raise at least £5,000 in sponsorship, entailing concerted fund-raising both in and out of the office.
For some, this event will be their first daredevil venture on to the mountains. However, Three Peaks novice Karen Pickering, a Yell PA, is undaunted. She said: "Although I’ve never done anything quite like this before, I’m really looking forward to it. We’ve put in loads of training and we’re working hard to meet our £10,000 target for Children’s Aid Direct - that, in itself, is a quite a challenge, but I know we can do it!"
Children's Aid Direct makes an immediate and lasting improvement to the lives of children and their carers who have been affected by conflict, poverty or disaster. It is committed to working with children and their communities to help support them as they move from crisis to recovery. This is done in innovative and practical ways, providing food, shelter, healthcare, education, training and advice.
Richard Duggleby, Yell’s head of external relations, said: "We’ve had strong links with Children’s Aid Direct for many years, and many of our people have taken part in this event before. Although it’s tough going, they’re committed throughout. We wish the teams every success in reaching their fundraising target and hope they enjoy the experience!"
Two per cent of the total funds raised go towards the upkeep of the paths used during the events. The rest of the funds go directly towards Children’s Aid Direct’s vital work, helping children and their carers throughout the world.
