The ENGIE team at CRH took on the Three Peaks Challenge over last weekend. Here office administrator Karen Parkin gives a run-down of the group's adventures.

"On a dark misty Saturday morning 26th August a group of Engie staff from Calderdale Royal Hospital and some of their family members set out on an adventure in the Yorkshire Dales to attempt the 24.5 miles hike of the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge.

"Setting off from the starting point in Horton-in -Ribblesdale at 6.15am on Saturday morning aiming to complete all three peaks in under 12 hours, raising money for charities as we did. Our first task was to reach Pen-y-Ghent which is the smallest of the Three Peaks at 694 metres. Once  we got 45 minutes into the hike the misty cold air turned to rain, not to be dampened by the wet weather, our water proofs were out and onwards we travelled.

"The rain eased off and we conquered our first peak Pen-y-Ghent. Completing Horton to Pen-y-Ghent 2.5 miles. A quick photo stop, hard to see scenery at this point as it was so misty there were no clear views at all in the distance.

"A quick snack for energy and we set off on the long 12 mile trek to Whernside. Once we reached the Viaduct we met up with Iain’s wife, whose two children would be joining us for the next part of the journey, they certainly had more energy than us at this point. Onwards and upwards to Whernside trying not to lose our boots in the boggy marsh land as we went, with the view of Ingleborough coming in to focus now as we reach the summit of Whernside, 736m reached.

"Yet another photo opportunity and now that the mist had cleared the views were spectacular. Quite overwhelming to see where we had travelled from in the far distance.

"Onwards to Ingleborough which in the distance looks so steep, stopping at the pub (to refill our water packs and not have a pint/glass of wine) another 3 litres of weight to add to our tired bodies. So the final trek began, setting a good pace, we all stayed together, chatting and encouraging each other as we went along, it was a great sense of team work. As we approached the highest parts, we spurred each other along. The end looked so close, but still so far, we scrambled up the rocky mountain side until we all safely reached the top.

"Quite an emotional moment for some, the views were amazing. Due to the time, it was a quick photo with the summit as we still had 4.5 miles to go to get back to the checkpoint to complete the challenge within the 12 hour mark. The land on the walk back was rough, hard to walk on with tired aching limbs, but we did it, finally reaching the check point in a total of 11 hours 30 minutes. Finally the next stop for us all, was the pub for a cold and well deserved pint. National Three Peaks anyone!!!!!!"

Karen's chosen charity is Andy’s Man Club #itsokaytotalk (a talking group and place for men to come together in a safe environment to talk issues/problems that they have been faced with or currently facing – total amount raised of £326.00 http://www.andysmanclub.co.uk/

Michelle's chosen charity is Feline Care Cat Rescue  a charity which relieves the suffering of domestic and feral cats by providing rescue homes, care and treatment, in the hope of finding them permanent  homes. Total amount raised £500. http://www.felinecare.org.uk/