Grove Cottage supporters tackle Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge

A plucky team who tackled the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge have raised more than £4,500 for Grove Cottage.

The tough 24-mile trek involves over 5,000ft of climbing across Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough, all within 12 hours.

For Nikki Donohoe, whose eight-year-old daughter Niamh enjoys Grove Cottage’s Saturday and holiday clubs, it was a challenge more than worth the effort.

She completed the route in an impressive 10 hours and 38 minutes. She was joined by Niamh’s aunts, Emma Marshall and Lisa Donohoe.

Lisa had to quit at mile 18 owing to a knee injury, but with grit and determination, she completed two of the three peaks.

Nikki said: “Our supertrooper Niamh has a rare genetic condition called Ogden Syndrome – she is one in 11 million.

“Grove Cottage has provided a lifeline for our family over the past four years. Through their clubs, Niamh has been able to learn, play and interact in a safe and caring environment. We’re so lucky to have them in our lives.”

So far, the trio has raised £3,780 plus £815 in Gift Aid and donations are still coming in. To support their efforts, see https://www.justgiving.com/page/threepeaksforniamh.

Also stepping up to the challenge were Adam Lake and Jack Willmott, who run Willmott & Lake Estate Agents in Hockerill Street, Bishop’s Stortford.

After a 4.30am start, a long day of walking and over six hours of travel the day before, Adam completed two of the three peaks before a knee injury forced him to stop. Jack took on the first mountain before switching to boosting team morale from the sidelines.

“It really was so much tougher than expected,” said Adam. “I’m gutted not to have finished, but proud we were able to raise nearly £1,000 for Grove Cottage.”

To support team Willmott & Lake, see https://www.justgiving.com/page/willmottandlake3peaks. They have so far raised £958 plus £137.50 in Gift Aid.

Anna Reeve Cook, whose son Oliver attends Grove Cottage’s special needs nursery, will tackle the Yorkshire Three Peaks in August.

“Grove Cottage has given Oliver a nurturing, specialist environment that he simply wouldn’t find elsewhere,” said Anna.

“They do so much for children with special educational needs and disabilities, and survive almost entirely on donations. I’m proud to be walking in support of them.”

Support Anna’s challenge at https://www.justgiving.com/page/anna-reeve-cook-2.

A spokeswoman for the London Road charity said: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who takes on challenges like this for Grove Cottage. You truly make a difference.”

Email fundraising@mencapgrovecottage.org or visit www.mencapgrovecottage.org to get involved.