Ener-Vate's James Hadfield talks about the Three Peaks Challenge!
A team of 12 hikers from Ener-Vate, Peel L&P and Enercret are taking on the Three Peaks Challenge on 20th May 2022, raising money for National Energy Action (NEA).
NEA is a fuel poverty charity that works to eradicate fuel poverty and campaigns for greater investment in energy efficiency to help those who are poor or vulnerable gain affordable heat.
Whilst the team are busy training ahead of the challenge, James Hadfield – Development Manager at Ener-Vate - took some time out to tell us more about how they’re preparing to take on the three highest peaks in the UK – Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon.
James, how are you and the team finding the training?
I’m a climber - ice, rock, mixed and alpine, as a consequence of this I go to the mountains at the weekends. I hope this regular activity has given me enough baseline mountain fitness to be successful on the three peaks. I’m also going to be leading some extended walks in the hills in the months leading up to the challenge for the team to join.
Have any of you ventured up any of the peaks before? Who is the most seasoned hiker in the group?
I’ve ventured up all the peaks before! The paths necessary for the three peaks are usually descent routes. I’m not 100% sure about the general experience of the overall group. I’d bet there are more keen hikers than I! I specialise in the more technical side of mountaineering.
What’s the plan for the challenge?
Sarah Elson, Ever-Vate’s Office Administrator, is the key coordinator for the trip, and I understand she will be on hand to support the challenge. A starting time of 7am has been chosen at Ben Nevis, we then have 24 hours to get to the top of all three summits. We will need to think carefully about food and gear choices, spare socks being critical!
Tell us more about why you’re supporting NEA…
National Energy Action provide advice and support to people struggling to heat their homes, which we all know at the moment is more important than ever. In 2020–2021, they awarded £385,897 worth of crisis pre-pay top up grants and they installed £876,402 worth of energy efficiency measures into people’s homes – we want to help them to continue to help as many families as possible throughout the UK.
How can we donate?
Everyone taking part in the challenge has their own JustGiving page – this is mine: James Hadfield is fundraising for National Energy Action (NEA) (justgiving.com)
