Society staff's peak performance in challenging weather

The intrepid group were one of only four teams from an original 10 to successfully finish the 24 Peaks Challenge.

And their ‘peak performance' helped them to exceed their initial pledge of raising £5,000 for the event's sponsors, the National Deaf Children's Society - with a total of more than £5,600.

The Society's team pushed their endurance and strength to the limits by walking 24 of the Lake District's best-known peaks, climbing an ascent of over 13,000 feet - equal to half of Mount Everest - and covering over 30 miles in the process.

"The weather conditions were extremely difficult during the weekend, and six of the 10 teams that started the challenge dropped out, so we were delighted to be among the four that completed the whole route.

"It was a real team effort, and we all worked together to encourage each other and get through it."

Leek United's team - who completed the same challenge five years ago - consisted of Chief Executive Kevin Wilson, Helen Alcock, Martin Platt, and their former Society colleague Keith Brightmore, with Ian Boston and David Peet as support drivers on the route during the weekend.

 "We'd just like to say a big 'thank you' to our customers, business contacts and colleagues who have supported us.  We could not have done it without their help."

* The National Deaf Children's Society is a leading charity dedicated to creating a world without barriers for deaf children and young people.