After weeks of dedicated training, countless early morning hikes and post-work treks in all conditions, our Manchester team took on their biggest challenge yet; the Yorkshire Three Peaks and smashed it.

On Saturday 28th June, eight brave team members set off at 5am to conquer the gruelling 24-mile route, covering over 1,500 metres of ascent across Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough, all within a 12-hour target. Despite torrential rain, gale-force winds, thick fog and a few wardrobe mishaps, everyone completed the challenge.

This extraordinary effort was in aid of DEBRA, our 2025 staff-nominated charity, which supports individuals and families affected by Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), a rare and excruciating genetic skin condition. It’s a cause close to our hearts, and every ache, pain and drenched step was driven by a desire to make a difference.

“Living with EB is unimaginably tough, but the support from DEBRA makes a world of difference. Every painful step we take is nothing compared to what those living with EB face daily,” said Kallay Pearson.

The Journey
Leaving behind sunny Manchester, the team arrived in Chapel-le-Dale to be greeted by dense fog and relentless rain, but spirits remained high.

Banyards team in Group 1, which included around 130 other challengers, set off at 6am. The climb up Ingleborough was a rocky start, literally, with miles of wet, uneven terrain. Despite the conditions and a few slips (including Mark rolling his ankle twice!), morale remained high with plenty of banter. There were a few early dropouts from other teams, but Banyards pushed on together.

“That was without a doubt the toughest thing I’ve ever done,” said Tom Dunn. “We set off at 3am not knowing what lay ahead, and by the third mountain, the rain was relentless, the wind was howling, and every step hurt. But we kept going, driven by the cause we were supporting. Reaching the final summit and making it back down was a real test of grit, but the sense of achievement (and the victory pint!) made it all worthwhile.”

Between peaks, the team splintered and regrouped several times, navigating alone at points when groups became too large for the guides. There were injuries, aching knees, lost waterproofs, and even the occasional spider-infested toilet experience in the wild, but the team stuck together, supported one another, and never once considered quitting.

Peak by Peak

• Ingleborough was a shock to the system, wet, foggy, and crowded, but it set the tone for what was to come.
• Pen-y-Ghent tested fatigue levels. Fog thickened, rocks steepened, and spirits dipped, but the team powered on, proudly donning their DEBRA shirts at the summit.
• Whernside was the final and most brutal climb. The weather worsened to torrential rain and wind. Visibility was near zero, boots were flooded, hands numb, and the terrain treacherous. It was as much a mental challenge as physical. But together, everyone made it to the top and down again safely.

“What a challenge,” said Paul Cairns. “I’d done it before, but many years (and kilos) ago, and forgot just how tough it really is. The team spirit was incredible though; everyone instinctively supported each other when it got hard. The weather was relentless, 11 hours of rain from every direction, but we pushed through, reminded of why we were doing it: for DEBRA and those living with EB. It was a true test of grit, teamwork, and determination, the very definition of the Banyards Way.”

“At one point, I wasn’t sure I’d see it through, but Paul Cairns gave me a pep talk, some Dextrose tablets and water, and we kept going,” said one of the team. “The wind was howling, the rain pouring, but we’d come too far to stop.”

The Finish
Despite being cold, soaked through, and utterly exhausted, everyone finished the challenge, most within around 11 to 11.5 hours, well under the 12-hour target. It was a huge achievement, made all the more meaningful by the reason behind it.

There were celebratory pints (and a few struggles with soaked kit in the pub toilets), sore limbs, and long drives home, but also a deep sense of pride. This was Banyards most ambitious fundraising challenge yet, and it was a resounding success.

David Cocksedge (Director) commented: “A huge congratulations to Kallay Pearson, Mark Derbyshire, Paul Cairns, Rob Henrys, Lewis Helme, Tom Dunn, Patrick Barry, and Paul Starkie for your resilience, humour, and determination. You’ve done us all proud, raising over £1,800 for DEBRA.”

To support the team and donate to DEBRA, please visit: 👉  Justgiving – banyards-DEBRA

Let’s help make a difference, ‘one peak at a time’.