The crew from Berkhamsted Fire Station took on the mammoth challenge of climbing the three highest peaks in the UK while kitted out in full fire gear last month.
Members of the team aimed to complete the Three Peaks Challenge – climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon – on October 22 in less than 24 hours.
The team wore fire kit and breathing apparatus to add an extra dimension to the challenge. They aimed to raise money for The Fire Fighters Charity, which offers support for the UK fire and rescue community, and Hector’s House, a suicide prevention charity.
Tom Burger, one of the firefighters in the team, said it was an amazing experience despite its difficulty.
He said: “I’d just like to extend a huge thank you to all who donated and wished us well for our challenge. It’s probably been one of the toughest that I have done but was a great experience!
“First up was Ben Nevis. We kitted up and set off from the Ben Nevis Inn at 1.15pm.
“With its three false peaks, it seemed never-ending. Between our kit not letting any heat out and the weight of it, as well as the breathing apparatus sets, it was a hugely demanding task to drag ourselves up the 4,411ft summit along a 7.1km route, but we made it to the top.”
Unfortunately, Tom said the team was unable to complete the climb of Scafell Pike due to adverse weather conditions.
Tom said: “Once there, due to horrendous weather and no team leader (as he had suffered an injury on the Ben Nevis descent), we had to miss out on Scafell. It’s a dangerous route in daylight in the heavy rain, but attempting it at 1am and 50km winds caused us to come to a team decision that the risk outweighed the reward.
“I think we were all a bit gutted we were unable to complete all three peaks, but have agreed we will be heading back to Scafell when the weather is a bit more forgiving to complete the three!
“I can say that walking has been more than a struggle after the challenge and I’m currently dealing with some serious delayed onset muscle soreness, but it was 100 per cent worth it.”
The team managed to successfully complete the two tallest peaks in the UK at 12.38pm, just under 24 hours after they set off at Ben Nevis.
At the time of writing, they have raised nearly £3,000 for their chosen charities.
To donate to the team’s fundraiser, head to www.justgiving.com/team/Berkosbig3peaks
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