Day Three - Sunday 7th Sept (Scafell Pike & Snowdon)

So we arrive at Scafell Pike at approx 3am. It’s very dark. Of course it would be – it’s night-time, but it’s one of those really black nights and it’s raining and it’s quite windy. We set off.

As we climb higher the rain increases, and the wind picks up. It’s also very noisy. For about the first half of ascent and final part of descent we trek alongside a mountain stream which is in full flood – whitewater and all that.

We eventually have to cross the stream. Normally one can step on stones etc. Not this night – it’s too deep. Almost all of us get our boots filled with icy stream water. One of us falls in or nearly in. This is repeated on way down.

We lose our way a little just past half way. Martin gets us back on track. One or two are wondering (quietly and privately) if we should abandon the climb. The wind is getting stronger and as we approach the summit cloud descends and the wind gets seriously gusty. Can barely hear ourselves speak. The wind chill makes it extremely cold. This is really difficult, testing stuff. Bear in mind we’ve already climbed the highest mountain in the UK and now we’re on the highest one in England. And it’s 5am with no sleep.

Damian and Nik are both experiencing knee problems. Everyone is tired - apart from Tom. Apparently he’s never actually been tired - ever!

Back at the minibus for about 7.30, half an hour behind schedule, and everyone is somewhat dazed. It’s not a quick transition and only Fiona and Mandy’s intervention gets us into our seats and away for the drive to Snowdon.

No one really feels like eating but tries anyway. We’re soaked, tired and a bit spaced out.

Mandy and Fiona do a brilliant job making up lost time and getting us to Snowdon for 12 noon. This requires occasionally, slightly approaching the speed limit a bit.

Another slow transition and we’re away by 5 past 12. Weather is dull, drizzly to start and then cloud thickening from about half way.

We are unsure if we’ll all make it in the 24 hours one or two of us are seriously flagging. Really, really exhausted. Apart from Tom. We discuss splitting up so that the quicker ones can complete. We decide to stick together. We’ll finish as a team regardless of time. We all know this is the absolutely right and only possible decision.

We get to the top in just over 2 hours and so have 2 and a half to get back. All quietly confident and spirits rise as we approach the finish line.

And then utter elation. We did it, we did it, we did it. Fantastic. Months of planning, preparation, training and fundraising all come to fruition as we cross the line. 23 hours and 36 minutes.

Photos, a bottle of bubbly, much happiness and not a little relief!

After a tepid tea in the worst café in the world we head on to the Youth Hostel at Bets-y-Coed. Hot showers, change and ready for a meal and a few drinks. Very witty banter. We feel so good. Sore knees, feet, blisters, tired, achy, fuzzy headed, sore eyes - but we feel really so good. This is the hardest physical thing we’ve ever done