Plymouth Pair Complete Epic 24-Hour Mountain Marathon
They set out to climb three of the UK’s highest mountains in 24 hours for a cause that matters deeply to them.
Now, after exhaustion, injuries, darkness and moments of doubt, Shona Searl and Sam Haggerty have done it.
The Plymouth pair have successfully completed the Three Peaks Challenge taking on Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon to raise awareness and support for people affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
What started as a huge physical challenge quickly became a test of mental strength and determination.
For Shona, the reality of what they had taken on hit home right at the beginning.
“Standing at the foot of the mountain, looking up and realising we were about to embark on the biggest challenge of our lives.”
Ben Nevis was the first test, with the pair completing the climb and descent in 4 hours and 47 minutes.
But the challenge was never guaranteed. Seeing some members of the team unable to continue was one of the hardest moments.
“Seeing some of our team unable to continue and realising that completing the challenge was never a given.”
Then came Scafell Pike a climb made even more demanding by darkness.
For Shona, reaching the summit became one of the standout memories of the entire challenge.
“Reaching the summit in the dark it felt surreal and was a real reminder of how far we’d already come.”
Sam also had his own memorable moment, finding the summit alone in the darkness.
Although after everything he had carried with him, there was one small disappointment.
He forgot to eat his chocolate bar at the summit.
There were plenty of challenges along the way. Shona’s walking pole snapped during the climb, while the long hours and difficult conditions tested everyone involved.
By the time they reached Snowdon, tiredness and injuries were beginning to take their toll.
But the final mountain also brought some of the biggest rewards.
Shona said the incredible weather and views were a highlight, along with seeing Pete waiting for them.
For Sam, reaching the top and being met by his buddy Pete was a moment he will remember forever.
The final descent proved to be one of the hardest parts. Shona’s hip injury made every step towards the finish painful, while Sam battled through painful knees on the way down.
But they kept going.
Shona completed the challenge in an incredible 23 hours and 54 minutes just six minutes inside the 24-hour target.
“Six minutes longer and I wouldn’t have made it.”
Sam finished in an outstanding 20 hours and 58 minutes.
But for both of them, the achievement was never just about reaching three summits.
They took on the challenge for people living with huge challenges every day raising awareness of FASD and helping highlight the impact it can have on lives.
“To do something so challenging for people that live with huge challenges was something truly special,” they said.
“The people we took part with and all those along the way were truly inspiring.”
Three mountains conquered. Nearly 24 hours of determination. One incredible reason behind it all.
Photographs © Wayne Perry & Shona Searl / Plymouth Post