Special Report

Colin Lawson’s National Three Peaks Challenge

Set to celebrate his 60^th birthday, IceHockeyMedia photographer Colin Lawson is aiming to complete the National Three Peaks Challenge in three days to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Embarking on this challenge with friends Andy Howes and Dave and Harry Mitchell, Colin will set off for Snowdon on Tuesday. Following their ascent of the Welsh Peak, the photographer and his companions will then climb Scafell Pike before travelling into Scotland with the aim that they reach the top of Ben Nevis in time to celebrate Colin’s 60^th birthday. As well as marking this milestone, the group also hope to raise at least £1000 for Macmillan Cancer Support in the process, meaning every step will be worthwhile.

Fundraising for ice hockey clubs in the past, Colin is no stranger to a challenge. Initially putting his photography skills to good use with Sunderland Ice Hockey Club, and then Newcastle Vipers’ junior side, Colin captured team photos across various age groups which were then sold to parents to raise funds for the club. This work extended to Newcastle Vipers’ Elite League team and, when the team’s demise resulted in the junior setup merging with Billingham Stars, Colin continued his work for two seasons at The Forum, before moving on to Hillheads where he currently provides fundraising opportunities as Whitley Warriors’ official photographer.

IceHockeyMedia - Colin Lawson

Again hoping to give something back, Colin and his friends face a busy itinerary which also includes 1200 miles of driving. Setting off for Llanberis, North Wales on Tuesday, the group will then begin their climb, which is described as a hard grade walk with an ascent of 975m, from the Snowdon Mountain railway station on Wednesday. Immediately after their descent, Colin and his companions will journey to Seatoller, near Keswick, with hopes that that they arrive at approximately 7:00pm. On Thursday morning, the ramblers will then make the trip to Seathwaite to begin their climb of Scafell Pike, using the Corridor Route. Another hard grade walk, this peak can be particularly treacherous, with the group required to pick their way over a loose boulder field when they reach the top. From here, the fundraisers will make their way to Fort William in preparation for their ascent of Ben Nevis to mark Colin’s birthday.

Discussing plans for his 60^th birthday celebrations with NIHL Northern Trio, Colin revealed, “Friday 30^th is the big day, my 60^th birthday. After a good breakfast it’s off to the Ben Nevis Visitors’ centre car park and then a relatively leisurely walk up Ben Nevis; leisurely because there’s no travel involved when we are finished and, more likely, because we will be rather tired. I will be carrying a bottle of champagne to share with the three amigos at the top of Ben Nevis to celebrate. On Saturday, we will be homeward bound via Perth where the plus one, Dave’s brother Harry, lives. I’m hoping I’m not going to be too tired when I get back home as the family are taking me out to my favourite Indian restaurant!”

Returning on Saturday 1^st October, Colin will be back behind the camera for Whitley Warriors’ home derby game against Billingham Stars the very next day. “I’m not quite sure how much I will be climbing up onto the step I normally use to photograph the game,” Colin added, “but any sponsorship for Macmillan will make the pain entirely worthwhile.”

To sponsor Colin ahead of his National Three Peaks challenge, please follow the link provided: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/3-Amigos-3-Peaks-challenge.