The odds have improved, albeit slightly, on Betfred’s regional bosses completing the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge, for charity.
They have vowed to complete the gruelling 24-mile trek within 12 hours later this month. And to ensure they prove themselves winners at the double, three of them have had special coaching with Betfred Super League club Warrington Wolves at their University of Chester training base (above) near Betfred’s Birchwood headquarters.
St Ann’s Hospice, one of Betfred owner Fred Done’s personal charities – who have two sites at Little Hulton in Salford and Heald Green in Stockport – will hopefully benefit to the tune of over £10,000.
The bonus for the quartet of Andy Porter (above left, with George Williams), Craig Sykes, Chris Anderson, and Laurence Farley who cover the West, East, North and South of the UK respectively is that they are all on a personal fitness regime to prepare for the special fundraiser on March 26.
It has even been rumoured that at least one of them signed up thinking it was a pie-eating rather than a peaks challenge …. but no-one is admitting which one of them joined the group under such false pretences!
Andy is under no illusions about how tough the assignment, including the 5,200 foot ascent across Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough will be, with that view underlined when he met up with Warrington coach Daryl Powell at the club’s gym.
Powell said: ”I did it once as part of our pre-season training with my previous club Castleford and I will never, ever forget it …. ever! It was icy and dangerous underfoot for us, so at least these guys will be doing it when it won’t be freezing cold, fingers crossed. Even so it is a grueller with lots of steps, and the only consolation is it’s well signposted, so hopefully they won’t get lost.
“My advice? Don’t let yourselves become dehydrated, wear good footwear, and pace yourselves. And a good tip is to have a decent pint of Guinness at the end by way of celebration, like I did back in 2019!”
Warrington’s head of player welfare Kylie Leuluai, who helped organise the impromptu gym session, praised the trio for their endevours including 62-year-old Chris (both are pictured above). He said: “All credit to these fellas giving it a good go, getting a decent sweat on. I hope the club has been able to help them achieve their target for such a good cause.”
Fred, who set up the Mo’s Mobile Drinks trolley service at the Little Hulton hospice, where he has also paid for roof repairs and renovations to the gardens, said: “It is a smashing idea from these senior members of staff to take on this momentous challenge.
“I understand they will be walking, or more accurately crawling, 24.5 miles, with 1,500 metres of ascent, therefore virtually a marathon distance – and climbing higher than Ben Nevis, in under 12 hours.
“Tell you what – the Guinness to keep them going can be on me. Cheers gents; you deserve it.”
Craig is pictured above, with Ben Currie.
St Ann’s Hospice – every day makes a difference
