13 Oct Gym buddies raise thousands for Torbay’s foodbanks
Dean Philpott, Dean Turner, Dan Cino
Gym buddies from across the Bay challenged their fitness levels to raise thousands of pounds for charity.
Three teams from Winners 2000 Gyms in Torquay, Paignton and Newton Abbot challenged each other to complete the infamous and arduous three peaks challenge in less than 24 hours.
Amy Palmer, Paul Siddall, Clare Williams, Debbie Sayce and Jordan Acheson
General manager Dean Turner had been helping out at the Torbay Community Larder when the challenge was mooted by one of his colleagues, Clare Williams to raise money for the Torbay Food Alliance, which runs foodbanks across the Bay.
“It was one thing stocking shelves and generally helping out, but having seen the queues and the need of so many people, we knew we could do more,” said Dean
The challenge was issued across three gyms in Torquay, Paignton and Newton Abbot. The teams were assembled to tackle the peaks – Ben Nevis in Scotland, Scafell Pike in England and Mount Snowdon in Wales, all to be completed consecutively and within 24 hours – a total walking distance of 23 miles ascending 3064 metres.
Rachael Dobson-Hill, Laura Holloway and Adonis Vamvoukakis
“It was a tough challenge and the weather threw everything at us,” said Dean, “On Ben Nevis alone, we went from a whiteout to taking off clothing in the heat. And then there was the pouring rain.
“The only rest was on the drives between the summits – 462 miles in total, it took its toll mentally and physically, but everyone made it,” said Dean
As a result, the teams have been able to donate £4050 to the Torbay Food Alliance, whose spokesperson said: “We are very grateful to the teams from Winners 2000, and the money will be spent on individuals and families who are facing tough times, particularly as the Winter draws in.”
