Father and sons conquer three peaks

A FAMILY from Culcheth took on the Three Peaks Challenge and completed it in just 23 hours.
James Love and his two sons Joseph, 13, and Harry, 12 – both Culcheth High School pupils – climbed the three famous mountains, Ben Nevis, Scafell and Snowdon together.
The family, of Holcroft Hall Farm, Holcroft Lane, set off from the base of Ben Nevis 8.30am on the Saturday morning. They reached the summit and returned to base at 13.40
Mr Love said: “We did not have the best weather but made good time with both boys enjoying the scenery and camaraderie of other walkers.”
His wife Angela then drove them to Scafell, where they began climbing at 19.10. The weather was good and they were able to set off for Snowdon at 22.50.
The climbers slept en route but woke up to start their final ascent at 3.30am.
Mr Love said: “The weather was not kind with torrential rain and driving winds but Joe and Harry were determined to meet the challenge they had set and summated Snowdon and made it back down at 8.26 am on Sunday with four minutes to spare.
“They were soaked to the skin but extremely happy and proud of their achievement. Glad to change into a dry set of clothes and have a hot drink and a bacon sandwich which Angela had waiting for us.”
Although this was not a fundraising event, the team of three completed a Manchester to Blackpool bike ride a few months ago, to raise funds for Wigan and Leigh Hospice. Mr Love has been previously completed marathons and challenges in places as diverse as Chile and the Sahara.
Later this year he is going to Antarctica for an ice marathon and next year he aims to run the New York Marathon.
After their three peaks challenge the boys had different views of the event.
Harry said: “It was good. I would do it again but would want better weather!”
But Joseph’s view was: “Would I do it again? Err NO!”
Pictured: James Love and his sons Harry and Joseph.