Joe Bell, a degree apprentice in Nuclear Engineering at Sellafield, recently embarked on the gruelling National Three Peaks Challenge with several of his colleagues. All with the objective of raising funds for the Northwest Air Ambulance, a critical service providing rapid medical transport and emergency care across the northwestern regions. Utilising advanced aircraft and highly trained medical staff, they ensure timely and life-saving interventions for patients in remote and hard-to-reach areas.

Joe and his colleagues journey began at the crack of dawn, navigating the tallest peaks in Scotland, England, and Wales within a 24-hour window. With a total walking distance of 23 miles, and a total driving distance of 462 miles, this was a challenging feat. These peaks are tallest mountains within each representative country: Scafell Pike is the tallest in England; Snowdon, the tallest in Wales and Ben Nevis the tallest in Scotland.

The Challenge Unfolds

Ben Nevis: The Tallest First The adventure kicked off in Scotland with Ben Nevis, towering at just over 1,300 meters. Joe and his team managed the ascent and descent in about four hours, finishing this challenge two hours ahead of schedule. "We were thrilled to start strong, but we knew this was just the beginning," Joe remarked.

Scafell Pike: Battling Time and Traffic Next, they travelled to Scafell Pike in the Lake District. Despite encountering heavy traffic and losing time, they began the climb around 5 PM, completing it in 2.5 hours. The sunny, hot weather added to the challenge. "We were only about 10 minutes ahead of schedule by the time they completed Scafell, because of traffic enroute. It was tough, but we pressed on," Joe shared.

Snowdon: The Final Ascent The final leg of the journey brought the team to Snowdon. Starting at 12:40 AM under the cover of darkness, they chose the Pyg track, the most direct route. "This was the hardest by far," Joe confessed. "We were exhausted, and visibility by head torch. The descent seemed endless; every corner revealed more track. It was mentally and physically draining."

The Experience and Camaraderie

Despite the exhaustion, Joe was struck by the camaraderie among the participants. "I was surprised at how many other Three Peaker’s were out there. We crossed paths with several groups on different peaks, exchanging support and even chocolate. There was a real sense of community."

Public support was also significant, particularly on Scafell Pike. "We wore matching yellow t-shirts, so it was clear we were part of something. Other walkers were curious and supportive, and we received public donations and snacks!" Joe added.

Staying Hydrated and Supported

Hydration was crucial during the challenge. "We had Hildon water in the bus and Hildon chilly bottles to keep everything cool. In the national parks, we refilled our bottles from natural streams, which was incredibly refreshing," Joe explained.

Behind the Scenes: Preparation and Sponsorship

The idea for the challenge originated with a group of enthusiastic walkers from Sellafield. They formed a team of 8-9 members, each with a specific role, and meticulously planned every detail. Sellafield sponsored the transport, while Hildon sponsored the accommodation and provided hydration support.

Promoting the event was a significant effort, involving bake sales and numerous news articles in Cumbria, ultimately raising over £5,000 through GoFundMe and corporate donations.

Successfully completing the Three Peaks Challenge requires careful preparation and strategic planning. It's essential to train adequately, focusing on building endurance and strength through regular hiking and cardiovascular exercises. Packing the right gear, such as sturdy hiking boots, weather-appropriate clothing, and essential supplies like water, high-energy snacks and a first-aid kit. Although the routes are well marked out a reliable map or GPS, is wise. Pay close attention to weather forecasts and be prepared for sudden changes, as conditions can vary dramatically across the peaks. Planning your route and timing is key to ensure safe navigation and to maximize daylight hours. Additionally, consider traveling with a group and hiring a minibus safety – there are specialist companies that offer this service and been able to relax and not having the stress of driving. Lastly, maintain a steady pace, take regular breaks to rest and refuel, and stay hydrated to sustain energy levels throughout the challenge.

Reflections and Future Plans

Upon completing the challenge, the team was too exhausted to celebrate. "We just wanted to get on the bus and sleep," Joe admitted. However, the sense of achievement was undeniable. "Training for this challenge skyrocketed my fitness levels. The hardest part was the mental challenge, but we now feel capable of achieving anything."

Joe's experience has sparked a growing love for walking and an interest in future challenges. "We might take on another Three Peaks Challenge or maybe a new challenge! The hard work and organization paid off," he concluded.

Sellafield and the Future of Nuclear Energy

While Joe couldn't discuss the specifics of his work due to confidentiality, he shared insights into Sellafield's mission. The company is focused on decommissioning and handling hazardous waste, developing new technologies and robots for safer operations, and aiming to eventually return the site to green fields, a process that will take decades.

"Nuclear energy is clean in terms of CO2 emissions, but managing the waste is the key challenge. Sellafield is at the forefront of developing solutions that can be used globally," Joe explained.

Conclusion

Joe Bell's and the other Sellafield apprentices (Aaron Watters, Joseph Bell, Ben Wrigley, Cian Grattidge, Luke Murray, Cameron Wight, Declan Finn, Thomas McLoughlin, George Harry) adventure through the Three Peaks Challenge exemplifies endurance, teamwork, and a commitment to both personal and professional growth. If you’d like to show support you can still donate on their go fund me page