Three friends and their dogs have completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge, to raise money for a children’s home.
Wesley Dowd, Keith Hook and Matthew Brett, took 10 hours and 13 minutes to walk up the three highest peaks in the county.
Joining the trio on the epic 24-mile challenge earlier this month were their dogs William, Shyla and Finley.
Around £2,000 has been raised through the challenge to be donated to Rochdale Children’s Moorland Home.
“It was very tough, to be quite honest,” admitted Wesley.
“It wasn’t easy. I found it tough but it’s a challenge isn’t it? Would I do it again? I don’t think so…I’d do other challenges but that was hard. I couldn’t walk for about three or four days afterwards.
“I’ve done many charity walks, climbed many mountains and I just like helping the children in general. I thought we’ll do this one so we can raise some money for the children’s home and they can take them on some days out, and provide them with food and things like that.”
Matthew Brett, Keith Hook and Wesley Dowd on the walk with their dogs William, Shyla and Finley
Wesley added that he had raised more than £30,000 over the years for the children’s home, which provides services and facilities for school children during term time and for children referred by social care, schools and community groups, during school holiday periods.
He also said that there was a personal reason for supporting the home.
“My dad was brought up in a children’s home,” said Wesley, who’s planning on taking on the West Highland Way for his next challenge.
“He came out and went into the army; he’s a lovely man. If he can do it then there’s other children that can. I like helping children because of my dad.
“It just shows awareness. The more people know about it the more people will help. It’s not government run; we rely on donations simply to run the home. A lot of people don’t know it’s there and when I speak to them I say it’s a beautiful place.”
