School teacher, Matthew Blamires, has so far raised £940 of vital funds for Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust’s Better Lives charity after taking on the gruelling National Three Peaks 24-hour challenge with a team of friends.

The challenge entails tackling the three highest peaks of Scotland, England and Wales – Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon – all within 24 hours. It covers a walking distance of 23 miles and an ascent of 3064 metres.

Matthew, a keen hiker, was inspired to raise money for Better Lives charity after the Care Trust supported his family during a difficult time. Elaborating further, Matthew explained: “One of the main reasons I’ve chosen the Better Lives charity is because of the amazing support we received from the Trust when we lost my mum in 2019. The Trust really stepped in and were there for us when we needed them. We’ve also lost other members of the family and the Trust has been there for us each and every time. Now felt like the time to give something back.” The fundraising target was initially £500 which has since almost doubled with the hopes of increasing this further in future fundraising events.

Despite battling torrential rain and strong winds, Matthew and his friends Will Edmondson, Joe Davey and Patrick Mcgorlick were able to complete the challenge with 10 minutes to spare. Reflecting on his achievement, Matthew said: “I’ve climbed Snowdon a lot of times but these were the worst conditions I’ve ever been in. It felt pretty dangerous to be at the top but I felt a tremendous sense of relief and achievement when I reached the bottom.” Not deterred by the tough conditions, he is already considering taking on the challenge again and hopes to help others who are looking to do the same before he emigrates to Australia in a year.

Matthew, who is also a father of two, explains how his upcoming move to Australia served as the catalyst for him to sign up for the National Three Peaks 24-hour challenge: “I’ve always wanted to do the challenge and I’ve climbed all of the peaks individually before. I’m emigrating to Australia in a year so me and my friends decided it would be a fun way to raise money for a local charity before I go.”

To donate to the Better Lives charity and support Matthew Blamires for taking on the 3 peaks challenge visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/matthew-blamires-1715507711540 The charity raises funds to support its services, staff and patients to enhance patient care and go over and above the core facilities it offers. Find out more about the charity: www.bdct.nhs.uk/better-lives-charity/