YMCA 3 Peaks fundraising challenge raises £7,500

A determined team of nine staff members and partners from YMCA Black Country Group have successfully completed the formidable National 3 Peaks Challenge, raising a remarkable £7,643 to support youth services across the region.

The challenge, which involves climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon, tested the team’s endurance and resilience to the limit. Although the sun shone brightly during the daylight climbs on Ben Nevis and Snowdon, the scorching conditions brought their own challenges with no relief from shade and intense heat making the steep ascents even more demanding.

The funds raised will go directly towards creating safe spaces for young people across the Black Country to belong, contribute and thrive, at a time when many local authority-funded youth services have seen significant cuts.

Taking part in the challenge was YMCA Black Country CEO, Steve Bavington, who reflected on both the personal and wider significance of the fundraiser:

“This was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done – physically exhausting and mentally relentless – but knowing we were doing it for young people in our communities kept us going.

Years of funding cuts have decimated youth provision across the Black Country, but this challenge showed what’s possible when people come together with a shared purpose. Thanks to the generosity of everyone who supported us, we’ll be able to offer more youth work sessions, safe spaces, and trusted adults for young people who need us more than ever.”

The team was joined by Sarah Moorhouse, CEO of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce, who also completed the challenge:

“Taking on the 3 Peaks Challenge was an unforgettable experience – brutal, beautiful and completely worth it. It was a privilege to stand alongside the YMCA team and raise funds for such a vital cause. Our young people need spaces where they feel safe, valued and inspired, and this is exactly what YMCA delivers day in, day out.”

The money raised will support YMCA youth work across the Black Country, helping to provide mentoring, outreach and community-based activities that empower young people to thrive.

A huge thank you to everyone that sponsored the team and also to Your Adventure Challenge, who led the climbs and supported participants every step of the journey.