Autism Initiatives team take on the 3 Peaks Challenge

Autism Initiatives’ Service Manager, Carl Mitchell, took on the National 3 Peaks Challenge this weekend with friends Paul Melton, Lee Wardle and Kyle Jones.

The group climbed the three biggest peaks in the UK; Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon in just 24 hours as they wanted to raise money for Autism Initiatives.  They were driven to each mountain in 3 different countries by Danielle Lewis who also works for Autism Initiatives as a Service Manager in Liverpool.  This is one of the most difficult physical challenges in the UK, and the three friends trained for months to complete it.

Carl told us:  “We did this because it’s a worthy challenge, and one of my friends who is autistic also completed the walk as this is close to his heart.  Completing this the most challenging event we have all done. It was a challenge like no other and we got to see so many amazing sights.  We completed all three mountains, and met some wonderful people along the way. We climbed Scarfell Pike in the dark which was an unreal experience. I’d like to give a special mention to Danielle for all the driving she did over the 24 hours!”

Danielle Lewis added:  “The lads did an amazing job and were a great team, even though it was a tiring challenge for us all. The laughter and positivity was just unmatched – a weekend none of us all will ever forget and all for a cause close to our hearts.”

The team exceeded their fundraising target of £500, and have raised almost £700 so far!

Area Manager, Lillian Kidd said:  “I couldn’t be prouder of the people involved from start to finish. Well done to the lads, this is a massive achievement.  Thank you to Danielle for driving and to Pauline at the Cedars community resource centre for the use of one of her mini buses for all the equipment that was needed.”

Carl is an avid walker and has raised money for Autism Initiatives in the past. Back in 2021, he and a group of 13 others raised over £1400 for Autism Initiatives by walking 24 miles from Alder Hey hospital in Liverpool to Southport.

Autism Initiatives fundraising Manager, Liz Oakley, said:  “Well done and thank you to the team for taking on this impressive challenge! The funds raised will help so many people who use our services. It means so much that members of staff want to help raise money and get their friends and family involved too”.

You can visit the team’s Just Giving page to find out more and make a donation https://shorturl.at/eiqM1