Walker travels across pond to tackle Three Peaks challenge

TEMPTED by the stunning scenery and the scale of the challenge, thousands of walkers tackle the Yorkshire Three Peaks every year.

But now the Red Cross charity says its first ever walker from across the Atlantic will be climbing Ingleborough, Whernside and Pen-y-ghent in a charity fundraiser next month.

Nicholas Cutforth will be travelling all the way from Colorado, in the United States, to take part in the Yorkshire Three Peaks with his brother, Chris Cutforth, who lives in Sheffield.

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A Red Cross spokesman said: “We have never had anyone take part in the Yorkshire Three Peaks before from America, so it’s great that we can say we have a participant from overseas.”

Mr Cutforth, who has previously walked the Pennine Way with his father and brother, said: “Walking the Three Peaks is a wonderful opportunity to spend a day with my brother, Chris.

“We talk on the phone and via Skype and via email regularly.

“We’re both in higher education so have lots to talk about. But there’s nothing like spending a whole day in the fells to catch up.

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“Chris is pretty active in charity circles ,but the last time I did anything big for charity was in 1988 when I ran the London Marathon and raised money to buy a multigym for the school where I was working.

“Chris just turned 50 and I’m 53, so we might as well do this challenging walk while we still have the energy to do so.”

He added that he was inspired to raise money for the Red Cross due to wildfires that are currently causing destruction in his home state of Colorado.

Mr Cutforth said: “One has destroyed over 180 houses.

“The Red Cross is always very active in supporting the efforts of the firefighters and helping with the needs of displaced people.

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“So I’m particularly delighted to raise money for a charity that has international connections.”

The Red Cross’s Yorkshire Three Peaks fundraiser takes place on Saturday, July 14, beginning at Horton-in-Ribblesdale in North Yorkshire and covering 24.5 miles including the three ascents.

A spokesman for the charity said yesterday: “It’s not too late to sign up.

“Entry costs £10 and there is no minimum sponsorship, but the Red Cross expert fundraisers will help every walker to raise as much as possible.

“Please contact Rachel Olney on 0114 242 7381 or email [email protected] for more information, or sign up online at www.redcross.org.uk/Y3P.”