Preparations for UM Group’s Three Peaks Challenge have moved forward with colleagues having the chance to hear from experienced mountain leader Stuart Beeston.

Stuart was invited to run an online presentation for colleagues considering joining the expedition which will take place on June 14 and 15.

The challenge will start at 6am on Saturday 14^th when the team begins the ascent of Ben Nevis (1345m), followed by the climb of Scafell Pike (978m) in the Lake District the same evening and Snowdon (1085m) in North Wales in the early hours of Sunday 15^th.

The challenge is in memory of much-loved former colleague Melissa Bryers (nee Childerley). All funds raised will go to St Michael’s Hospice (North Hampshire) where Melissa spent her final days before her passing in October.

The goal is to raise the £16,000 required to purchase a ‘cuddle bed’ for the hospice and, so far, Melissa’s family and friends have almost raised £10,000. We’re hoping our efforts will help them get to their target.

Stuart, who will oversee the UM trip, is an expert in mountain climbing, having completed the Three Peaks on multiple occasions. He has been a freelance outdoor instructor for the last 15 years with experience in cycling, outdoor pursuits and mountain hiking expeditions. His work has taken him all over the world including Peru and Norway.

Stuart started by saying that this challenge is not to be taken lightly and while the intention is to complete it within 24 hours, the safety and wellbeing of the group is always of foremost importance rather than the time.

The typical schedule would involve five hours on Ben Nevis, four hours at Scafell Pike and four hours at Snowdon with 11 hours of travel time.

Stuart explained that Ben Nevis in Scotland is the shortest climb in steps but the steepest ascent, likely to be cloudy and with a chance of snow.

Scafell Pike in the Lake District is the lowest mountain and the shortest climb, while Snowdon in North Wales is the hardest climb, zig zagging to the summit with the likelihood of queues due to tourists.

Stuart also provided guidance on the essential kit that each participant would need to pack, along with a few handy tips such as ensuring mountain boots are properly worn in, blankets and pillows for comfort sleeping between climbs and plenty of snacks and chocolate.

Working as a team would be essential to give the group the best possible chance of success with the speed of transition from mountain to bus to mountain of vital importance.

Stuart also flagged that while the challenge is everything to those involved, colleagues are expected to show courtesy to others enjoying the mountains and respect wildlife.

He said that the group should be guided by the famous quote: “Leave nothing but footsteps, make nothing but memories.”

Over the coming weeks, colleagues taking part in the challenge will be invited on to some training days, which will be arranged by Jake Ellis from our UM Terminals team in Liverpool.

Our Three Peaks climbers are:

Agnieszka Sriskanthan-Reksa – Group Financial Controller, UM Trading & Marketing

Harry Lawson – Group IT Systems Administrator

Jake Ellis – Group Asset Integrity Manager

Felicity White – GB Customer Support & QA Manager

Clare Fortune – GB Commercial Manager, South

Tate France – UM Terminals, Operator

Lewis Chambers – UM Terminals, Supervisor

Jamie Clintworth – UM Terminals, Assistant Supervisor

Robbie Flynn – Premier Molasses, Product Manager

Niall O’Donnell – United Molasses Ireland, General Manager

Mark Few – GB, Operations Manager