[P]ARENTS and supporters of junior Penrith rugby players will hit the heights to raise money for the youth section.
Around a dozen adults will lace up their walking boots and tackle the national Three Peaks Challenge later this month. In less than 24 hours, the Penrith fund-raisers aim to scale Ben Nevis (1,345m) – Britain’s highest mountain – before climbing Scafell Pike in the Lake District (978m) and moving on, finally, to Snowdon (1,085m) in Wales.
Their tough 23-mile task – on May 19 and 20 – features more than 3,000m of ascent, and involves around 460 miles of driving between the famous fells.
Trekkers are aiming to raise around £3,000 to support 250 or so youngsters who are affiliated to the Winters Park club from under-seven to under-18 level.
Generous backing is already provided by Eden firm A. W. Jenkinson – the club’s main sponsor. Extra funding will assist with the cost of players’ shirts, travel expenses, tournament entry fees and coaching courses for those running the respective sides.
One of those taking part in the challenge is Gary Atkinson, whose son, Harvey, is an under-11 Penrith player.
“Everybody tackling the Three Peaks is reasonably fit. It’s going to be a pacy fell walk,” he said.
But Gary, 41, conceded: “It’s going to hurt, talking to people who’ve done it before. There’s a lad I know who was in the Army. He’s fit as fire, and said ‘it doesn’t matter how fit you are, it’s going to hurt!’.”
Helpers will transport the walkers across the U.K. in a minibus sponsored by Penrith-based Atkinson Building Contractors. A. W. Jenkinson has also kindly agreed to fund fuel.
Another parent, Mark Davies, whose son Josh is also an under-11 player, is a mountaineering expert and guide, and will lead the challenge.
“We’re hoping for decent weather but we’re quite prepared for wind and rain and everything,” said Gary. The thought of raising funds for passionate young rugby players would drive the group on, he added.
Youngsters have also chipped in during previous fund-raisers, which have included supermarket bag-packs, rugby sevens competitions and band nights.
“The youth section is a fantastic facility for the kids, just brilliant,” added Gary “It shows because every age group is strong with numbers, from under sevens right up to 18s.”
To donate, visit https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/gary-atkinson-1
