College staff member raises £2,800 in UK Three Peaks feat

We are extremely proud of our Director for Adult Skills and Higher Learning, Helen Foster, who conquered the UK Three Peaks – a gruelling, 24-hour challenge to climb to the highest points in England, Scotland and Wales.

Helen has so far raised more than £2,800 for the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association, in memory of her father who passed away aged 68 in 2020 after bravely battling the condition for three years.

The charity funds care, campaigning and research to support those with MND, a rare and ultimately fatal neurological condition.

“There’s been a lot of publicity recently because of Rob Burrow, but because it’s so rare you always think it won’t happen to you,” said Helen.

“It’s a shock, and it takes a toll on everyone around the person with the condition.

“It’s a terminal illness and if you do have it, you need so much wraparound service.

“The charity helped our family – they do a lot in terms of support.”

The national Three Peaks consists of 10,052 feet of ascent as participants tackle Ben Nevis in Scotland, Scafell Pike in Cumbria and Snowdon in Wales.

Helen completed the challenge in 15 hours, 47 minutes of walking, having signed up with a friend – joining a group of more than 50 people who were fundraising for different causes.

In preparation, she joined a team of 20 staff who raised £1,400 for Barnsley Independent Alzheimer’s and Dementia Support completing the 25-mile Yorkshire Three Peaks. Having done most of her training solo, Helen admits she’s happy to return to having more free time.

“I was as prepared as I was ever going to be,” she added. “I really enjoyed Ben Nevis, but it was something like 24 degrees – it was scorching.

“We went up Scafell Pike at 10pm and came back down at 3.30am, so that wasn’t as enjoyable. It was really disorientating in the dark. Snowdon was gentler but we couldn’t see anything because the visibility was so bad – I think I’d like to go back there because I feel like I have unfinished business with it.

“I would recommend it to anyone – you don’t have to be able to run a marathon, as long as you’re up for a challenge and have a general level of fitness. It’s really challenging, but really rewarding.

“This weekend was lovely – I went out for tea, had some drinks, went to watch my little lad play football and then when I realised I didn’t have to do any walking, I sat on the sofa and had a nap! It was wonderful.”

To donate, head to Helen’s JustGiving page.