Tackling the three peaks twice in 24 hours

Retired teacher Derek Radcliffe and his sons Calum and Liam will begin walking and jogging the route from 10pm on August 21 - and they aim to complete it twice by 10pm on August 22.

The gruelling trek can be a difficult undertaking for even the fittest and most seasoned walker, but the three men will be making their attempt when the weather could be blisteringly hot and when a diversion because of footpath rebuilding will extend the route to nearly 50 miles.

Derek, Calum and Liam are aiming to raise £1,000 for the Nell Bank Charitable Trust. During his career as a teacher in Bradford, Derek visited the Ilkley outdoor education centre many times on school trips and saw first-hand what a difference it makes to children in the Bradford and Leeds area.

Both Calum and Liam have fond memories of visiting the centre as children and both chose Nell Bank for work experience.

A spokeswoman for Nell Bank said: “They too could see how a day exploring and learning about nature could inspire and affect children in such a positive way. As the site is fully wheelchair-accessible they appreciate what a valuable resource it is for everyone.

“Nell Bank supports children of all ages and abilities – providing unique outdoor learning experiences and residential trips for children, their families and friends, from all walks of life. All three Radcliffe’s are passionate about raising as much as possible for Nell Bank, as the challenge they have set themselves goes to show. Each year, over 20,000 children visit the Centre, many of whom come from the most deprived areas of the district.

“For many who visit the centre, it may be the first time that they’ve experienced the countryside, had the opportunity to play outside in a safe environment and taken part in outdoor learning activities. Access to the outdoors for inner-city children, especially coming out of lockdown, is a valuable aspect of learning: not just for educational needs, but for socially and emotionally too.

“When Nell Bank can fully re-open it is vital that all children are able to visit, including those who’ll have experienced a very different lockdown to children fortunate enough to live near green spaces.

“Nell Bank can only offer these fantastic experiences thanks to the generosity of individuals like Derek and his sons, and of organisations who support the Centre’s development. Donations to Nell Bank are often used to subsidise places for children who are facing financial hardship and to support the development of our activities.

“Even small donations really do make a big difference. Just £14 pays for a child to visit the centre for a day, while £36 pays for a child’s overnight stay.

Nell Bank couldn’t operate without its wonderful supporters whose generous donations allow the Centre to make improvements to equipment and expand the facilities that will benefit many children for years to come.

“If you would like to support Derek, Calum and Liam in their challenge, and donate to Nell Bank, please go to the Nell Bank Outdoor Education Centre Facebook page, or find Nell Bank on Twitter, or follow the link below to their donation page:

https://nellbank.enthuse.com/cf/the-yorkshire-3-peaks---twice-in-24-hrs.”