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Fundraiser aims to climb every mountain!
A CLIMBER from South Tyneside has reached new heights in his efforts to raise money for charity.
Graham Johnson, of Leander Drive, Boldon, and three colleagues from Van Hee, a Gateshead organisation which trains transport and logistics staff, successfully completed the National Three Peaks Challenge.
The challenge involves reaching the summits of Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon – the highest peaks in Scotland, England and Wales – within 24 hours.
Graham was joined by Van Hee financial director Paul Robertson, managing director John Charlton and infrastructure manager Neil Russell. Internal verifier Dennis Brown acted as support driver.
They started at 4.30pm at the foot of Ben Nevis. A day later, they had climbed all three peaks, snatching what sleep they could in the car.
Graham, Van Hee's training delivery manager, said: "It started really well. Ben Nevis was great, and we got a fantastic view.
"It was well worth the climb. Scafell started out in lovely weather but became very misty.
"Snowdon was really bad. There was a railway station 100 yards away and we couldn't see it.
"It was a pity, because we got to the top but couldn't see the view.
"The whole challenge was hard, and there was nothing to stop us from giving up at any point, but we didn't."
Van Hee's fundraising efforts benefit the Alzheimer's Society, the Bobby Robson Foundation and Transaid, a charity which aims to improve transport in the developing world.
In the past year, Van Hee teams have completed an 18-hour 40-mile walk of the Yorkshire Moors and a walk along Hadrian's Wall.
The Three Peaks Challenge raised 200 for the causes.
Later this month, the Van Hee team will take on another charitable challenge when they embark on the three-day Edinburgh to Newcastle bike ride.
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Weather for South Shields
Tuesday 07 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -3 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: -2 C to 1 C
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