Over the hottest weekend of the year, when the BBC reported “Scotland breaks temperature record” a team of ten people from the Beaufort Group of Companies, and four friends and family members attempted to complete the National Three Peaks Challenge in 24 hours, all in aid of the charity Dreams Come True. The challenge involves climbing the highest peaks in Britain – Ben Nevis in Scotland at (1345 metres above sea level), Scafell Pike in England (978m) and Snowdon in Wales (1085m).

The team, led by Beaufort Investment’s Head of Research and Portfolio Construction, Shane Balkham, travelled to the foot of Ben Nevis Scotland and began the ascent at 11.40 on the morning of Saturday 30th June. All but one of the party made it to the top of Ben Nevis in four hours. The party then travelled to Scafell Pike, arriving at 1.30am and leaving at 7am, arriving at the foot of Snowdon at 11.30am. The team reached the summit of Snowdon at 2.30pm on the afternoon of Sunday 1st July.

Five of the team managed to climb all three peaks: Shane Balkham, Jon Creasey, MD of Beaufort Financial (Fareham) and Chris Masters, MD of Talking Finances and guests, Simon Rogers and Waren Plummer.

Eight of the team climbed Ben Nevis and Scafell Pike; those listed above, along with Celeste Ainge, Head of Marketing, Beaufort Group and guests Kate Bennett and Jonathan Crayston.

The rest of the team was:

  • Andrew Bennett, CEO, Beaufort Group
  • Tony Hicks, Head of Sales, Beaufort Group
  • Emma Clarke, Senior Fund Analyst, Beaufort Investment
  • Rachel Bennett, Project Manager, Beaufort Group
  • Graeme Bone, Director, Beaufort Financial (Reading)
  • Anton Boshoff, Quality Assurance Specialist, Beaufort Group

Andrew Bennett, CEO, Beaufort Group said:

“The heat was unprecedented; the temperature at the start of the challenge was 33 degrees. Not everyone in the team made it to the top of all three peaks, but we all stretched ourselves to the limit and despite the blood, blisters, aches, pains, sweat and tears, there was plenty of laughter too.

“I’m really looking forward to sharing details of the children who will have a dream come true thanks to our efforts; I hope others will enjoy them and consider getting involved in other fundraising events organised by the charity: https://www.dreamscometrue.uk.com/47/fundraising”

Martyn Paul, MD of Advocate Events who organised the entire trip commented:

“I thoroughly agree with our mountain leader, Darren Hunt who said that the team spirit was awesome, and the fact that the CEO joined in the fun is testament to quality leadership. These kinds of experiences bring the best and sometimes worst out of us, but they are a true test of our character. As a group, new relationships are formed and old ones reaffirmed. Above all, their common goal was to raise £1,000’s for Dreams Come True and I’m honoured to say many children’s lives will be touched by the generosity of this band of brothers and sisters. It’s been a privilege.”

Celeste Ainge, Head of Marketing, Beaufort Group, added:

“As ever, these things don’t happen without a lot of planning and support. So, huge thanks go to Martyn and Joanna Paul from Advocate Events; to Martin Neal from Dreams Come True who kept us motivated with inspiring stories about the children the charity has helped; to Andrew Bennett, our Group CEO who enabled us to run the Surrey Peaks training walk; and to Shane Balkham and Rachel Bennett at Beaufort Group who have done a huge amount to raise money with an online auction and bar quiz.

“So far, we’ve raised over £10,000, (not including Gift Aid) but we want to double that by the end of the July. Donations are being accepted until the end of July at: https://virginmoneygiving.com/fund/beaufortgroup”