3 Peaks, 1 Week, 1 Leg!
On the 19th of July Josephine and her 3 Peaks team (Sean, Robert, Emily, Tracy, Nicholas, Yegor and Yulia) set-off on a mission to climb 10,000 feet in order to raise £10,000 for Positive Bones. The 10,000 feet in question would be covered over the course of 3 mountains, the 3 highest peaks within the UK; Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis.
HIKE 1 - Snowdon
Their journey began in Wales, the team set-up camp near the base of Snowdon feeling equal parts excited and nervous about the mammoth task ahead. Snowdon is the second highest of the 3 mountains, sitting at 3,560 feet, there are multiple routes to the summit but team PB had chosen to take the Llanberis Path, a steady climb utilising a well laid trail. Often hailed as the easiest of the 3 peaks, the team were hoping for a soft start to the week of hiking.
The group set foot on the trail at 9 AM on the 20th of July full of smiles and eagerness. Throughout the journey they shared live videos on Positive Bones social media (link below) detailing their journey. The start of the Snowdon trail begins on a very steep road. This was a harder start than the group had envisaged and it proved particularly difficult for amputee, Josephine who not only struggled with the incline but, between the heat and physical exertion, found that it exacerbated some issues she had recently been experiencing with her heart. The rapid raising of her heart rate had resulted in her heart skipping beats and falling out of rhythm. Unable to continue walking as she was, before the hike had really begun the team were already having to take a break. Luckily tablets were on-hand to assist but the team knew they weren’t out of the woods and if things continued like this it would either be a very long hike or no hike at all.
After a brief pause the group pressed on at a slow and steady pace, Josephine’s heart continued to skip beats but provided the pace remain even she was able to continue going. After 2.5 hours in the blistering heat the team were delighted to come across the Snowdon shop, situated on the mountainside; cold drinks were passed around and chocolate was bought to fuel then next stint before they stopped for lunch.
Throughout the climb the team were met with so much support, smiles and words of motivation from fellow hikers. People put money into the money pots we were carrying and provided words of advice for the rest of the climb. It was through this kindness that we were made aware of alterations happening on the Snowdon rail line making it possible to take a lower incline to the top. The group took this path with delight as not only was it easier but also provided moments of shade and cool water from a running stream, very much welcomed in the 28° heat.
At 4 hours in the team sat for lunch, looking over the amazing views that such a climb offer. Energy was low and they still couldn’t see the summit so the opportunity to pause and take in the surroundings was just what they needed to press on. After lunch the summit push was upon them, with the 3 team dogs in tow, fueled up on treats and high calorie snacks, they set-off. It would take a further 2.5 hours before the summit was in view. At this point the team joined back onto the LLanberis Path and gathered their strength as the headed towards their goal. It was a busy day with lots of people at the summit, many of whom had passed the team on the way up. As Josephine arrived people began clapping at her efforts rousing her into a speech about Positive Bones and the reason for the hike; encouraging donations, social sharing and general support from the crowd. It must have worked because over £200 was raised on the mountain alone. It was a momentous moment and one that filled them team with joy and satisfaction as they began the descent.
On their way down the manifestation of why they were doing this came into tangibility when they crossed paths with another amputee who had caught the train to the top with his wife and young daughter. Josephine immediately reached out to him explaining the work Positive Bones do in the hope that it may be of aid. He shared the story of 2 people he knew of who would benefit from the work PB does; a young man who lost his leg to 3rd degree burns gained in a house-fire and as a result of the scarring struggled with traditional prosthetics leading him to look at alternative private options and a young boy who just really wanted to run and needed to purchase a running blade to do so. It’s in these moments that the group were able to dig deep and find the motivation to carry on; raising money and awareness through the climbs.
It took 9 hours in total (ascent and descent) but the team made it, the first mountain was complete.
Scroll down to read about Hike 2 - Scafell Pike.
HIKE 2 - Scafell Pike
Scafell Pike is known amongst those who have done the 3 peaks as the toughest climb. It is the shortest of the 3 mountains, at 3,210 feet, but is the most technical, featuring areas of scrambling, large boulder fields and loose stone throughout. The typical route is called ‘The Tourist Route’ and is both the shortest and the steepest path to the summit. Josephine and some of the team members had previously hiked this route as part of the training for the 3 peaks and found the route particularly difficult and slow due to its steep incline and as such had chosen to take an alternative route called ‘The Corridor Route’ for the 3 peaks. This route was longer but steadier so the team were hoping to make up the distance with speed on the flatter ground.
The sun was beaming down as the group began the ascent. Starting from the north side of mountain meant that there was some respite from the heat along with regular streams for wetting t-shirts and generally cooling off meant that the team made a good start with steady, even progress. The first section of The Corridor Route runs alongside the stream within a valley and is a gentle incline amongst a beautiful landscape. The start of the next point is marked by a large tarn (body of water) and it is from here that the route really begins to climb. The reason the Corridor Route is a much steadier ascent is due largely to the fact that rather than travelling directly up the mountain you traverse on the side of a selection of adjacent, connecting mountains. This approach avoids a more intensive incline but does mean that there are areas that you must scramble (use hands and feet to semi-climb) in order to pass, however its at these points that Josephine does best and most enjoys herself. The ability to utilise 4 points of contact means she can be much steadier and quicker in her approach and she thrived through these sections, as did the rest of the group. The views were stunning and the group was in good spirits at the progress they were making, however this positivity was soon to come crashing down as they came to the third section of the hike.
Due to the distance The Corridor Route covers it is both less popular and not as clearly marked as other more commonly used trails; the path fades away to landscape in a number of sections and it can be a struggle to find where it next begins. It was at one of these points that Team PB asked a fellow hiker for guidance on which way to go next. The hiker was on their way down, having already summited and so provided some friendly advice about the remaining 2 sections. They included details of an alternative time-saving route visible at the start of section three and marked by a fork in the path; to the right is a long but steady path leading to the summit push, to the left a shortcut.
The shortcut was a well worn path that ran up the left hand side of a scree slope (a field of loose rocks, stones and boulders), it was steep and uneven but if conquered would be much faster. Upon assessment Josephine knew she wouldn’t be able to take the path but she had noticed that to the right of the scree slope was what looked like a reasonable scramble section that would take them to the start of the final summit push. From its base it seemed fairly inclined but not too steep, with plenty of foot and hand holds to clamber up. After a group discussion it was decided that they would attempt the scramble.
What had started as an attempt to reach the summit faster soon became a terrifying 2 hour detour. What had looked like solid rock and a reasonable incline from the bottom turned out to be loose ground on a very steep angle, over which grass had grown. Every step was fraught as it was unclear from first appearance whether it was be solid or loose due to the unstable nature of the ground below. As the team scrambled higher, footholds were falling away as they stepped as were handholds as they grasped. The slope became steeper and the group realised that they could no longer climb up or down safely. They reassessed. After a short discussion it was decided that would be safer traversing the scree slope and attempting the recommended path. This came with its own dangers; one by one the group crossed the scree field whilst laid on their fronts, as they moved so did the mountain, rocks and boulders tumbling below. Everyone was scared and the aim at the point was simply to reach clear ground, the summit seemed unreachable.
It came to Josephine’s turn to traverse, unable to do it on all fours she had to cross over on her back. Tears set in as she realised the danger everyone was in due to a challenge she had set but she had the most incredible team around her. Her sister came below her, risky with so much movement in the rocks, and looked her in the eyes reassuringly. Together, alongside Josephine’s husband, they found the motivation to get across, the ground falling with every movement. Once across they began the steep and still treacherous climb to the summit push. When they reached the end emotion flowed and laughter erupted as they realised what they had just done.
However, It wasn’t over yet. Low on energy and food they pushed on to the summit. Scafell Pike is tricky as the final section is made up of large boulders. This is difficult terrain for most able bodied hikers and even harder as an amputee so it was a slow climb to the celebration point. By the time they reached the summit they had been climbing for 9 hours, it was late in the day and there was just a small group of people at the top. They welcomed team PB in as they clambered up onto stone platform that marks the top of the mountain. Everyone was relieved and Josephine broke down in a video live on the Positive Bones Instagram page, it had been a hard day.
The descent was a struggle, everyone was tired but as an above knee amputee Josephine uses approximately 80% more energy than someone able bodied, even more so when its hot. On the way down she began feeling weak and low in blood sugar, soon needing a break. It was at this moment, when sat in tired silence that the group met just the person they needed to keep going. It started with his dog bounding up to greet Josephine, smiles showing on everyone’s face, then came the hiker. Concerned he stopped to check on everyone, this soon lead to him talking about why he was on his way up Scafell Pike so late in the day. He was walking for his late wife, someone who had always wanted to hike Scafell Pike and take photos of the sunset. She had passed away the previous year and he was hiking to commemorate her with the dog he had bought to keep him going after her passing. It was a beautiful moment and his kindness shone through, spurring the group on, realising how lucky they were to simply be there in the first place.
It took 13 hours to complete and the signal had been poor all day and so very few updates had been added on social media so Team PB were absolutely delighted when they reached the bottom to see just how much support, care and concern everyone had for their journey and fundraising goal. For a moment on Scafell Pike they had felt defeated but seeing such kind messages, words of encouragement and generous donations bought them back to life and they were filled with gratitude for the incredible people intent on supporting their mission.
Scroll down to read about Hike 3 - Ben Nevis.
HIKE 3 - BEN NEVIS
On the morning of the final climb Team PB were tired and achy but determined to complete their 3 Peaks Challenge. The campsite they had stayed at the night before was situated at the very base of the mountain and in the darkness they saw the headlamps of fellow hikers as they ascended, highlighting the scale of what they were due to climb the following day. The day began at 6AM, the group were grateful to finally have some cool temperatures as they set-off on the start of the hike. They were taking the most popular route up Ben Nevis, aptly called the Tourist Route and as such it was a busy yet jubilant start to the day with lots of people passing, cheering each other on and celebrating those who had already completed it and were on their way down.
Ben Nevis is made of 3 sections; a long stepped stone path sat between tall ferns and trees through which incredible views can be seen, a flatter section on a clear path that travels around a loch and the final section, a long, steep and winding path that consists of a mixture of loose stone and large rocks or boulders. In this first section the group made great progress, fuelled with porridge and filled with excitement to complete their challenge. They talked about PB to anyone who would listen , explaining their challenge, raising money and awareness. It was during one of these mountain marketing campaigns that they were made aware of another amputee just ahead of them, as soon as Josephine found out about this the race was on, desperate to meet a fellow amputee and celebrate their limitlessness, she pushed on. It wasn’t long before they crossed paths, they celebrated what they were doing and Josephine was delighted to discover that this below knee amputee already knew of Positive Bones. Alas, time waited for no-one and soon they were back on target, reaching ever forward and towards the top.
The first section went by with ease and the second section was upon them. The second section provides clear views up the mountain and they were delighted when they realised that at just 2 hours in the halfway point was in view. At the halfway point there is a large stream leading into a light waterfall that looks out over the descending path, its in the shade and lots of people were using the cool water and break from the sun as a place to rest before taking on the final section. As Josephine came to the halfway point the crowd began to cheer her efforts and once again she shared aloud the reason for her drive to reach the top, her dreams for Positive Bones and the fundraising message. People came forward to take details, donate and generally spur on the team, filling everyone with excitement to take on the longest and hardest section of the three.
So section 3 began. A zig zagging, long, steep and tricky path. Progress slowed significantly and what set in was a steady trudge towards the summit. After a week of hiking Josephine’s residual limb was sore and bruised, pain began to set in but the energy on the hike remained strong; hikers encouraged each other forward, supported one another and shared their stories. Another amputee passed by and told of how they became an amputee, the Positive affects PB would have on people they knew and so any pain was outweighed but the pure buoyancy of the spirit that surrounded her. The views were incredible throughout the hike but as they reached higher, incredible became replaced with magnificent. All around them the scale of what they were climbing became clear; surrounding them were great peaks, clouds within reach and tales of snow toward the summit.
Ben Nevis is a long and enduring climb, the peak doesn’t come into view until the very end and so as each corner is turned hope of seeing the top is replaced with disappointment for the distance yet to be travelled. All the way up the group had been told that at the sight of snow the summit was within reach so the team was delighted when the now infamous snow patch came into view. They stopped to celebrate, rub snow onto hot backs and breath in the moment. They were almost there.
Now to the summit push, a mixture of scramble and steep hike over large rocks. Tired but elated to have their goal in view the group pushed forward and made it to the summit after 9 hours of hiking. They had met so many people on the way up that when they got to the top they were greeted with such a warm and celebratory welcome. Emotion overflowed and everyone was in tears as they climbed up on the platform that signalled the peak of the mountain. They had done it; 3 peaks, 1 week, 1 leg. It was an amazing moment and after a few photos they set their aching bodies down to eat lunch, ring family and take in the view from the highest mountain in the United Kingdom.
Before the stiffness could set-in they started the descent. Unlike the ascent which had been filled with regular breaks for rest and recovery the descent was one of continuous movement. Keen to reach the bottom and celebrate the end of the challenge they pressed on, resting rarely. In the last 2 hours of the hike every body began to feel the pain from the 3 hikes set in. Josephine’s residual limb was very bruised due to the bone hitting against her muscle as it pressed against the socket, walking was unbearable and through tears, gritted teeth and the incredible support of the team around her she reached the bottom. Legs unable to move any further she was carried into the car by her ever resilient, strong and supportive husband.
“I can say with absolute certainty that these 3 hikes were the hardest physical challenge I have ever done and in the top 10 of the hardest mental challenges I’ve faced. Without the amazing team around me I would never have been able to complete it. Each had a role to play; from spurring me on and reminding me why i’m doing it, to holding me when my legs were weak; without each and every one of them (both those on the mountain and at base camp) I would have not have finished this challenge. They were incredible.” - Josephine Bridges
When they got back to base camp they were filled with awe at what they had completed. As they counted up the money donated to Positive Bones they raised glasses in celebration and dived into a hot meal. They shared their thoughts from the hikes and each noted the sheer kindness and support they had been shown both on the mountain and online throughout the challenge; they were humbled not just by the heights they had climbed but by the generosity experienced throughout. It was truly incredible to know that people were willing to and wanted to support those with limb difference to live life limitlessly, just had they had done over the past 5 days.
#Distance4Donations
Its been two weeks since that moment and the donations, support and love have continued to roll in. When the group set out they intended to match the approx 10,000 feet climbed by raising £10,000. It is incredible to be able to say that this has been surpassed and as of the 8th of August 2021 the 3 Peaks, 1 Week, 1 Leg challenge has raised:
£11,815!!
“We cannot express enough gratitude for the kindness people have shown to Positive Bones. It has been incredible to understand just how willing people are to support our goal of providing support, community and funding to those with limb difference. With this money we will be able to continue providing grants for equipment, services and prosthetics that support those with disabilities live a life without limits. Thank you so much for your generosity and overwhelming support. You are what keeps Positive Bones positive.”
