Peak Performance for Charity
Kelvin Dobson of the Ilkley Riverside Hotel and landscape gardener Michael Armstrong, scaled new heights when they completed the national Three Peaks challenge in June.
The challenge was to climb Ben Nevis, Snowdon and Scafell Pike, the three highest peaks in their respective countries, within 24 hours.
Among the group joining Kelvin and Michael were three Emmerdale cast members; Chris Chittell (Eric Pollard), Kelvin Fletcher (Andy Sugden) and James Hooten (Sam Dingle). There were also three ‘regulars’ from the hotel’s bar; Nick Dowker, Paul Broadbent and Chris Bullock.
The challenge took place on 20 and 21 June, and was organised in memory of former Emmerdale star and Ilkley-man Clive Hornby, who died last year having played Jack Sugden in the popular soap for 28 years.
The money raised through sponsorship, which is still coming in, will be donated to Marie Curie in Bradford.
Speaking about the challenge, Kelvin, said,
“I was initially approached by my friend Michael Armstrong who knew Clive Hornby very well. Michael used to be his gardener and he felt as though we should do something in his memory.
“I had no hesitation in joining him for such a worthy cause. I understand the Emmerdale team were equally enthusiastic when he asked them to join us.
“However, having walked up Scafell Pike and Snowdon on separate days as part of the training I realised how hard it is going to be when we have to do all three in 24 hours!
“We decided to do it on the longest day to give us the best chance and I am delighted to report that we worked well as a team and all completed it within the time limit.
“The weather wasn’t particularly good. In fact the mist was so bad on Snowdon we could not see anything.
“For days after our limbs were really aching but the pain was all worthwhile when you are raising money for such a worthwhile cause”.
