Stephen Bamford, a 42-year-old Rochdale business owner, is attempting to set a new record by climbing 13 mountains in 7 days. He is taking on the Ultra Peaks Challenge to raise money for three charities: Springhill Hospice, Animals in Distress, and ANDYSMANCLUB. Stephen is completing the challenge in honour of his mum, who has recently been diagnosed with terminal cancer.
Charities close to home
The charities he has chosen are close to his heart. With his mum likely needing hospice care in the near future, his love of animals, and his passion for supporting men's mental health, Stephen's donations will have a wide-reaching positive impact on local communities.
Stephen has previously completed the Ireland 4 Peaks Challenge, which was set to be completed in 48 hours. He has hiked Mweelrea, Carrauntoohil, Lugnaquilla, and Slieve Donard.
Previous challenges and training
The National 3 Peaks Challenge is set to be completed in 24 hours, spanning Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, and Snowdon. The Welsh 3 Peaks Challenge is set to be completed in 24 hours, including Pen Y Fan, Cadair Idris, and Snowdon again. The Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge is set to be completed in 12 hours, stretching Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough.
Stephen's close family friend of over 30 years, Sami Obrien, shared his motivation for completing the challenge: "He'd actually been training and preparing for a long time, maybe about two years. He was meant to do the Ultra Peak challenge sooner. Then, his mum was diagnosed with cancer, and it was quite a shock."
She said: "He had to delay it for quite a while whilst he was looking after her and taking her to hospital while she went back in for treatment. She was soon discharged from hospital and is having care at home now. So he took the opportunity to start training again and planned to do the Ultra Peak challenge, which he's completing right now."
Business owner and charitable nature
She added: "He's using it as a motivational thing as well. It will make her really proud when he's finished."
As well as climbing several peaks in seven days, Stephen also owns his own business in Littleborough - Cryers Butchers. Sami also shared details of Stephen's charitable nature: "He donates a substantial amount of beef to homeless shelters. He also raises money through raffles and gives it to the homeless shelters. He does that every single year, especially around Christmas time. He's an all round great guy!"
He is accepting donations via his JustGiving page, with a goal of raising £3,000 in total. Follow along and support Stephen's journey on Facebook.
