Air Cadet Flight Sergeant Damien Simpson, from 2195 (Long Eaton) Squadron, successfully completed the Yorkshire Three Peak Challenge on Monday 16th March.
The challenge consisted of walking 24.5 miles, climbing the three highest peaks in the Yorkshire Dales, Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough. All three peaks had to be climbed in under 12 hours with the time stopping only when they returning back to the start location. These peaks form part of the Pennine Range, and encircle the head of the valley of the River Ribble, in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
Damien accomplished the three peaks with his fellow Junior Leader, Cadet Sergeant Callum Maxwell, from 2425 (Nottingham Airport) Squadron, to raise money for the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation as a part of the ILM (Institute of Leadership and Management) qualification of the Air Cadet Junior Leaders Course.
Flight Sergeant Simpson said; “The three peaks were a massive challenge and having accomplished this makes me want to do more in the future. The three peak challenge was a very hard walk for us because of the different terrains that we had to walk across and through. Although it was extremely tough it didn’t stop us, even when walking through snow waist deep, we couldn’t be stopped!”
In conclusion, Damien added; “It was an amazing experience and I loved every minute of it, even the night navigation down the last mountain. We were so happy to complete it in 9 hours 34 minutes and 56 seconds”