3PeaksChallenge540
Norwich Christians 24-hour climb challenge for Oasis
 

A small team of Norfolk Christian men will be attempting the Three Peaks Challenge in early July seeking to raise money for young people at risk of traffiking through Christian charity Oasis, as they climb Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon in 24 hours. Jenny Seal reports.

Over the weekend of July 2-3, four men from Norwich will attempt the Three Peaks Challenge, climbing Ben Nevis in Scotland, Scafell Pike in England and Snowdon in Wales in 24 hours.
 
Andy Sexton from Holy Trinity, Norwich had the idea as he turns 50 this year and wanted to mark the occasion with a fundraising challenge.  Andy, Associate International Director of Oasis, does a challenge every 5 years on his birthday to raise money for the charity. In 2011 he ate 45 mopane worms to celebrate turning 45.
 
Andy will be joined by Peter Gosling from Holy Trinity, Norwich, Jeroen Wismans, and Angus McCrum who is part of Proclaimers Church and a Christian Financial Planner for Trinity Wealth Management.  The group are aiming to raise £3,500 for Oasis' work in Kyrgyzstan.

Andy said: “In the country of Kyrgyzstan, in Central Asia, there are 11,000 children in soviet-style orphanages according to Unicef. On reaching age 15, every year about 450 of them have to leave as the government ends all provision of their needs. Most of them end up in the capital city Bishkek to further their education or look for employment. Our research in 2015 revealed that they are extremely vulnerable to exploitation by the mafia, traffickers or extremists. They are groomed in the same way vulnerable girls have been groomed and abused in the UK.
 
“Oasis walks alongside these children to protect them and help them to access accommodation, study, jobs and provides emergency clothing and food packs if needed.  By sponsoring us you are helping Oasis to protect and empower these young people. We really appreciate all your support and thank you for any donations.”
 
The Three Peaks Challenge will begin with a Saturday morning ascent of Ben Nevis, a round trip estimated to take 5 hours followed by an afternoon transfer to the Lake District and evening ascent and descent of Scafell Pike which should take 4 hours.  The men will then travel overnight to Snowdon and tackle a 4 hour early morning climb to complete the 24 hour challenge.

Angus said: “We are four gracefully aging, middle-aged men, who are now trying to get fit enough to face the challenge. A recent 5 hour practice walk showed us how tough it is going to be.  No blisters but sore muscles all round!”
 
You can sponsor Andy, Peter, Jeroen and Angus through Virgin Money Giving where donations will be quickly processed and passed to Oasis. Virgin Money Giving is a not for profit organisation and will claim gift aid on Oasis’s behalf if you are eligible for this.  Click here to sponsor the Three Peaks Challenge.  
 
You can find out more about Oasis’ work in Kyrgyzstan and some of the young people’s stories at www.oasiskg.org.
 
Photo: Angus, Andy, Peter, Jeroen (inset)