A team of four from local train company First TransPennine Express (FTPE) has conquered the Three Peaks Challenge by rail, climbing the highest mountains in England, Scotland and Wales in just three days.

The event, now in its 10th year, took place on the 21st - 23rd June 2012 with all proceeds donated to the Railway Children, a UK based children’s charity which strives to protect children living alone and at risk on the streets.

The three day challenge transported passengers by rail to climb the highest mountains in England, Scotland and Wales.

FTPE staff and team members Simon Barber, David Barnwell, David Hatfield and James Cohen first climbed Snowden through the night before heading for Ravenglass to climb Scafell Pike.  After an overnight train to Fort William they completed the challenge to climb the UK’s highest mountain Ben Nevis.

FTPE also sponsored the cost of the fuel for the trains involved, estimated to be at a cost of £7,000.

Managing Director Nick Donovan said: “The Three Peaks by rail annual challenge is a great opportunity to support a great cause.  I am delighted we were able to provide support from FTPE in funding the fuel for the train and in sponsoring the team. Congratulations to all those who took part.”

Organisers say that this in one of the most important fundraising events for Railway Children having already raised £1,325,310.

Terina Keene Chief Executive, Railway Children said: “Every day thousands of children wake up scared, vulnerable and alone on the streets, they are there because there is nowhere left to go and no-one left to turn to. Fortunately there are people who truly care for these children and want to give them a safe place to sleep and the love and care any child deserves. 

“Railway Children has been working with people in the rail industry for nearly twenty years to save children from the horrors of living on the streets. Our biggest industry event is our Three Peaks Challenge, which helps us to reach 5,000 new children every year, changing their lives forever.”

Tim Brawn FTPE Duty Control Manager and volunteer for Railway Children added: “I’ve been involved with Railway Children for a number of years - in 2010 I was fortunate enough to be part of a small team to visit one the charity’s projects in Kilimanjaro and see exactly who benefits from the money raised through events like the Three Peaks Challenge.”