Last week our Business Development Manager Alex Del Veccio joined a team of businesses and individuals from across the property and construction industry to complete the Yorkshire Three Peaks in just one day for LandAid . Surrounded by people within the industry who were trekking to help end youth homelessness whilst networking and raising money to support the incredible work that LandAid do.

We caught up with him this week to hear how he got on ….. 

The weeks prior to my taking part in the challenge were spent clocking up the miles on the gym treadmill, a steady pace on a very steep incline – each time pushing to go an extra Kilometre or two. The reality was something very different !! The day began with a 5am alarm call, followed by 2 cups of sweet tea and several bananas ( as strongly suggested by the organizers ) before joining my brothers in arms – or waterproofs to be more precise – for our 6am health & safety briefing , where we were reliably informed that “nobody gets left behind” This instantly filled us with a mix of excitement and sheer panic !!!

Bravely we set off at 06.15 sharp to tackle the 1^st summit – unbeknown to us the organizers had decided to start with the most difficult ascent of the 3, due to the impending change in the weather and onslaught of Storm Dave, or whoever it was named after! This decision almost accounted for several of our merry band during the penultimate climb to the summit ,who made it very clear that they were not now, or had ever been, related to a mountain goat !!

After a whistle stop break on the summit for the obligatory selfies, we were off towards the village where we could take on water – or more importantly, lose some due to the cold and lack of loos at the summit !!! Following our “comfort” break we set off late morning to conquer the 2^nd summit – a long steep walk broken up by several “scrambles” up some almost sheer faces before finally standing aloft and surveying, not literally, all below and around us.

Following our descent we were treated to hot tea and cakes ( most welcome ) and more team photos before bracing ourselves for the final hurdle. This climb seemed to go on forever, with no visible sign of a summit due to the low cloud and heavy rain, when suddenly we were informed that we had made it !! We had summited. We were the champions my friend… . . 

It had been a very long, tiring, wet and windy day. Physically and mentally draining but filled with a lot of laughter, the occasional swear word and questioning of one’s own sanity for undertaking this challenge; but the feeling of pride that filled all of us as we crossed the finish line made it all feel very worthwhile. Knowing that you can push yourself further and harder than you ever felt possible. Surpassing finishing the London Marathon as an individual feat of personal achievement, and again raising much needed funds along the way, this was a test of strength and character and I am very happy to report that I passed thanks to all the support and good wishes received from my family, friends and colleagues – plus all of the donations made by all. Thank you everyone, maybe see you next year if you fancy having a go ??

There is still an opportunity to sponsor Alex's achievement - every pound is gratefully received - https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/alex-del-veccio?newPage=True