Wildheart Animal Sanctuary Trio Conquer Three Peaks Challenge To Help Rescue Bears

Three employees from Sandown's Wildheart Animal Sanctuary have successfully completed the Three Peaks Challenge in just under 24 hours.

COO Lawrence Bates and animal carers Mary Lenton and Sandra Peelo were raising money to help rescue two European Brown Bears, Benji and Balu from a concrete pit in Azerbaijan.

The team, joined by their dedicated driver Dan, set off for Scotland on June 19, having been sponsored to take on the challenge by Red Funnel.

They began their 1,345m climb of Ben Nevis at 6am the next morning and completed the walk up and down Ben Nevis in just over 5 hours.

After a 5-hour drive back to England, the team started their 978m ascent of Scafell Pike.

This arduous climb was made difficult by weary legs, but they completed the climb in just under three-and-a-half hours.

It was 1.30am the following morning when the team began their 1,085m climb of Snowdon in Wales in the pitch black.

They were treated to an amazing sunrise when they reached the top of Snowdon, which they completed in just over 4 hours – leaving just 6 minutes to spare of their 24-hour time limit.

Mary said:

“The National Three Peaks Challenge, what an experience and what an achievement!

"We are delighted to have raised more than £3,600 for a project that is so special to us, the discomfort we felt for those 24 hours is nothing compared to the discomfort Benji and Balu have faced for the last 10 years."

"A wise friend told us to enjoy and take in every moment, and that we certainly did, with not a blister between us.”