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Local Heroes Take on Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge for Grove Cottage
Grove Cottage would like to say a huge thank you to a group of incredible individuals who went to extraordinary lengths to raise vital funds for us by taking on the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge on Saturday 3rd May.
This tough 24-mile trek, involving over 5,000 feet of climbing across Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough, all within 12 hours, is no small task. But for Nikki Donohoe, whose daughter Niamh attends our Saturday and Holiday Clubs, it was a challenge more than worth the effort.
Nikki completed the route in an impressive 10 hours and 38 minutes alongside Niamh’s aunties Emma and Lisa. Lisa sadly had to stop at mile 18 due to a knee injury, but still managed to complete two of the three peaks, showing incredible grit and determination.
“Our super trooper Niamh, who is 8 years old, has a rare genetic condition called Ogden Syndrome, she is 1 in 11 million,” said Nikki. “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 are so lucky to have them in our lives.”
So far, the team has raised over £4,000, and donations are still coming in. You can support their efforts here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/threepeaksforniamh
Also stepping up to the challenge were Adam Lake and Jack Willmott of Willmott & Lake Estate Agents in Bishop’s Stortford. After a 4.30am start, a long day of walking, and over 6 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.” Support team Willmott & Lake here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/willmottandlake3peaks
These incredible fundraising efforts help ensure that Grove Cottage can continue providing social and educational activities for people with learning disabilities, from 18 months to over 80 years old. As a charity that relies on donations, we never take this support for granted.
And the challenge is not over yet. Local mum Anna Reeve Cook, whose son Oliver attends our special needs nursery, will be tackling the Yorkshire Three Peaks later this 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: https://www.justgiving.com/page/anna-reeve-cook-2
We are incredibly grateful to everyone who takes on challenges like this for Grove Cottage. You truly make a difference.
Feeling inspired?
If you are thinking about doing a sponsored challenge, whether it’s walking, running, cycling, swimming or something completely different, we’d love to support you.
Email us at fundraising@mencapgrovecottage.org or visit our events page to get involved.
Together, we can help build a brighter future for our members and their families.
Harry is 21 and has a genetic condition which causes developmental delay. He has been coming to Grove Cottage since he was a young child and now attends our Get Active Club and Music Man Project.
Ruth has been attending Grove Cottage for 11 years. She first joined the Nursery when she was only one and moved onto the Saturday and Holiday clubs once she went to school full time. Ruth’s mum, Kate, says, “Ruth has Down’s Syndrome, with its inherent developmental delay. Although now at secondary school, Ruth is more akin to a reception age child in terms of interest and ability.