What marks the start of summer for you? For many of our amazing supporters up and down the country, summer only begins once they’ve tackled a mountain – or three!

Over 24 hours in May, 61 dedicated supporters donned their walking boots and climbed Yorkshire’s three highest mountains – Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough. And, in the sweltering heat of a weekend in June, 172 more supporters tackled Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis.

The events raised an amazing £280,000 for the lifechanging work of Railway Children - the most the events have raised since they began 19 years ago.

Each pound raised is bringing hope and a future to lost and vulnerable children across India, Tanzania and the UK.

It’s the reason why people are willing to sacrifice their time, their sleep and their comfort year after year.

Allan, a railway engineer who previously completed the Three Peaks by Rail with colleagues, was this year joined by a special group of people. “My daughter got married last year and my new son-in-law is a keen walker. So is his dad, and so is his best man. So, we’re a family doing the Three Peaks for Railway Children together!”

Bessie, author of Arlo's Adventures, summed up the feeling as supporters prepared to tackle Britain’s highest mountains: “I cannot wait to be up three mountains in 36 hours, along with so many amazing people who care so much for the children Railway Children helps.”

Pushing through to save lives

But among the excitement and enthusiasm, was a healthy dose of reality. “The time you spend on your feet is a big challenge,” explains Nick, Account and Redelivery Manager at Angel Trains, who took on the Yorkshire Three Peaks. “Your feet are nicely sore the next day!”

But it’s not all blisters, lack of sleep and pushing through pain barriers. “The Three Peaks is team building at its best,” continues Nick. “People achieve and push through physical and mental boundaries to complete the challenge together.”

Climb every mountain!

Climb every mountain!

It’s thanks to the support of our incredible sponsors, Angel Trains and Porterbrook, that the Yorkshire Three Peaks and the Three Peaks Challenge by Rail can take place. And to Locomotive Services Limited (LSL) who provide the train for our 3 Peaks by Rail event, which this year included the magnificent Britannia steam engine.

This year, the last Three Peaks event for our amazing Events Manager, Katie Mason, after 23 years in the role, was marked by a very special steam train transporting climbers between the mountains.

But none of it would be possible without our amazing supporters who are willing to start their summer with a climb up a mountain – or three.

If you’d like to do something amazing to kickstart your summer next year, click here to register your interest for Three Peaks By Rail 2024 or here for our next Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge!