Railway workers swap tracks for three peaks trek

Hundreds of rail workers are swapping the tracks for trekking boots, taking on the National Three Peaks Challenge for charity.

Avanti West Coast employees are among those setting off for the summits of Yr Wyddfa (Snowden), Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis over the next three days.

Craig Mortiboys, based in Walsall, and Lucy Weilding, who works in Birmingham, have already raised thousands for Railway Children, which helps homeless youngsters in the UK, India and Tanzania.

Around 200 hikers in total will depart on a charter train from Crewe on Thursday evening, as part of the charity's National Three Peaks by Rail event.

Regional Growth Manager Mr Mortiboys said he signed up for the physical challenge, but also to help vulnerable children.

"As a new parent, I know how fortunate mine are, so to support a cause offering to help children sleeping rough and being exploited is something close to my heart," he said.

Ms Weilding added the thought of tackling Ben Nevis "terrifies me", but she would push herself mentally and physically "for such a meaningful cause".

The Avanti team has already raised more than £5,000, with a third member, Sandi Sidhu, from Hertfordshire, single-handedly raising £3,000.

She said she had been "shameless" in her fundraising attempts, both at work and with family and friends.

"A local business kindly made me a batch of samosas that we sold at a lunchtime in our Birmingham office. They went in minutes. It was a huge success," she said.

The three peaks have a total walking distance of 23 miles (37km), with hikers ascending a total of 3064 metres (10,052ft).

The team will start in North Wales with a late night climb of Yr Wyddfa, before being taken by train to the Lake District and then finish with the Scottish peak, near Fort William, in the early hours of Saturday.

Chief executive of Railway Children's Group Rob Capener wished all participants in the event good luck.

"While it's challenging, tiring and guaranteed to make your muscles ache for a few days, we know it's also hugely rewarding for everyone who takes part," he said.

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