On Friday, 12th September at 06:03, nine dedicated supporters embarked on the Rapidgrid SPF Three National Peaks Cycle Challenge, a remarkable 450-mile journey that took them through the iconic mountains of England, Scotland, and Wales: Snowdon, Scafell Pike, and culminating at Ben Nevis.
The team was led by Steve Prescott Foundation Ambassador Steve Hall, alongside Ewan Dowes, Phil Ellison, Craig Connor, Aidy Key, Jeff Hall, and Simon Edwards. They were supported by main sponsors Craig Hughes and Grant Hughes.
The ambitious goal was to complete this grueling endurance challenge in just three days (72 hours). Despite facing some of the most horrendous weather conditions imaginable—60 mph winds and horizontal rain on Scafell Pike, along with dangerously wet cycling conditions—the team persevered. A delay in their ascent of Ben Nevis due to 75 mph winds tested their resolve, but they miraculously reached the summit at 05:33, completing the challenge in an impressive 71 hours and 30 minutes.
Martin Blondel, a long-time supporter, remarked, “In the 18 years of the SPF, I have witnessed some remarkable and extraordinary challenges, but this has to be up there as one of the hardest. The weather was absolutely atrocious, causing all kinds of logistical problems. In true Steve Prescott style, they overcame adversity and powered through to complete the challenge. Steve will be looking down on the team with huge pride, knowing that these selfless individuals put their bodies on the line to continue his astonishing legacy while raising vital funds for The Christie and Rugby League Benevolent Fund.”
The team also expressed immense gratitude to their support crew, including Kevin Bell, Jim Housley, Martin Blondel, and Phil Graham, whose efforts were crucial to the challenge's success.
Special thanks go to the amazing sponsors who made this challenge possible: Rapidgrip, Paramount Digital, Vertical Lifts North West, PSD Vehicle Rental, Arcoframe, Flex, Whiston Motor Factors, Bodyfreaks and Thatto Cycles.
“What the mind believes, the body achieves!”
