Twelve determined climbers recently took on the tough Three Peaks Challenge for the Paul O’Gorman Leukemia Research centre and Cab Direct was there to lend a helping hand.
The National Three Peaks Challenge is steadily becoming a well-known phrase amongst the more adventurous.  It involves climbing the 3 highest mountains in the UK within 24 hours.  The steep peaks of Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon total a staggering 11,180 vertical feet and climbers are against the clock!
Matt Sinclair, the team leader of the group was diagnosed with the rare form of cancer, Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia in 2005 and wanted to complete the challenge for the University of Glasgow Trust for the Paul O’Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre.
The £3 million centre, based at Glasgow University campus, was opened in May this year and provides advanced facilities and equipment for clinicians and researchers to translate laboratory findings into new treatments for leukaemia patients.
The group had planned their trip for the 21st of June this year but were having problems sourcing suitable transport for the event.  Allied Vehicles, Cab Direct’s parent company,  saved the day and not only provided one of their accessible minibuses printed with impressive graphics, but also an enthusiastic driver, Sales Director Peter Facenna.
The group left for the Scottish Highlands on the 21st of June as planned and began their climb of Ben Nevis at 4pm before making their journey to England, commencing their climb of Scafell at 3am.  Braving the treacherous rain and gale force winds of 65mph the group just managed to reach Wales and take on Snowdon with the last man finishing with just minutes to spare!
The team returned home blistered and bruised but thankfully no serious injuries were sustained during the trip.  The target for the challenge was to raise £6000 for the Paul O’Gorman Centre but the target was smashed with a total of £15,750 being raised between the group.

Commenting on the challenge Matt Sinclair said: “I’m very glad that we took on this tough challenge and made it.  My legs certainly felt pain for the following week but because of this challenge, £15,750 will now go to the new Paul O’Gorman Leukaemia Research Facility in Scotland, where people with Leukaemia all over the world will benefit.  I would like to thank Peter and Cab Direct as without them we couldn’t have done it.”
Cab Direct were delighted that they could help out the group.  Sales Director Peter Facenna commented: “Driving the climbers around for long hours was tough and the weather certainly took its toll on all of us but myself and Cab Direct were delighted to support Matt and the team for such a worthy cause. Well done to all who took part!”
Cab Direct supplied the jumbo Ford Transit minibus with tailgate for the challenge which is just one of many vehicles available from their extensive accessible range.

To find out more on Cab Direct’s minibus range freephone 0800 916 3058, email info@cabdirect.com or visit www.cabdirect.com