Team rises to challenge (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Team rises to challenge

9:48am Friday 13th August 2010 in

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EMPLOYEES from a company that help keep the UK’s mobile phone network ringing, took part in the Three Peals Challenge.

The gruelling expedition, was led by Hartwood Services engineer Dave Ellis, who conquered the challenge, scaling Ben Nevis, Scafell and Snowdon in 23 hours 41 minutes, to raise funds for Help for Heroes.

Among his team of eight hill walkers and two drivers, comprising of fellow employees and former servicemen was David’s 11-year-old son Chris, who proved to be the most resilient and motivated of the team.

Chuffed with the trip, Dave said: “It was a totally awesome and gruelling trek, but for a very worthwhile cause.”

Help for Heroes, which helps wounded servicemen and women, is very poignant to Dave, who served for five years in the Royal Signals, taking part in active service in Bosnia and Kuwait.

Although not faulting their medical care, the former signalman has seen friends seriously injured in action and has felt annoyed with the way the Ministry of Defence has subsequently treated them.

However, Dave who has worked for Hartwood, which is based in Armstrong Road, for seven years, gave the thumbs up to his company for sponsoring the van used for gave the thumbs up to his company, for sponsoring the van used to transport the team to the three mountains, as well as providing a fuel card for the trip.

Commercial director Frank Masson said: “We know these guys are a bunch of team players, which embodies the teamwork ethos of Hartwood.

“And given that our chairman Eric Taylor and managing director Stuart Landregan served in the Royal Navy, it was a no brainer to offer our support.”

An exhausted Chris, who was chuffed to complete the Three Peaks Challenge in 23 hours, 54 minutes, while the last member of the team making it 23 hours 58 seconds, within the 24 hour limit, is now aiming to beat the £5,000 target.

He said: “Please give as generously as you can.

“It’s not guys’ and girls’ faults out there who come back injured or maimed, so please give generously and help out their future.”

To make a donation for the fundraising effort, visit justgiving.com/dave-ellis1. (OK)