The planet will be saved by the individuals who choose to challenge themselves and challenge a status quo of natural degradation, and Robert Fell is the latest example. On 22 May 2021, the chief executive of the Metal Packaging Manufacturers Association (MPMA) conquered the Yorkshire Three Peak Challenge to support nature through WLT. This, in Robert’s own words, is the recap of a day when he trekked 26 miles in less than 12 hours and raised £1,100+ for threatened habitats – testament to the difference each and every one of us can make when we stand up for nature.
“At 6:55 am on 22 May 2021 I set off for the Yorkshire Three Peak Challenge together with my walking companions Jake, his wife Fay, their son Dominic and my son, Tom. We started in the rain at the Ribblehead Viaduct with our first mountain, Whernside (736 metres/2415 feet), being cloaked in cloud. Fortunately, though, the weather improved after that and was fairly kind for the rest of the walk. We then had excellent views from both Ingleborough (723 metres/2372 feet) and finally Pen-y-Ghent (694 metres/2277 feet).
“I completed the walk in 11 hours 30 minutes, which initially I was a little disappointed about as when I did the challenge a decade ago I managed 10 hours 56 minutes. However, I then discovered that due to some re-routing of some of the paths the total walk is now 26 miles and not the 24 miles I did last time – so taking the 40 minutes into account that it takes to walk 2 miles I was actually 6 minutes quicker than I had been 10 years ago – not too shabby!
“Taking on this challenge proved a great day for a fantastic cause. I’d always been very interested in conservation, but there comes a time when just being interested is not enough. To other people wondering what they can do against big challenges like biodiversity loss and climate change I’d say this: It’s true that as individuals we can’t solve the problems on our own but we can all do something, and lots of people doing something will make a genuine difference.”
Mission success! Three Peak challengers (left to right) Robert Fell, son Tom, Dominic, Jake and Fay celebrate at the end of the 26-mile trek through a mist-shrouded Yorkshire Dales National Park. Credit: Elizabeth Fell.
Everyone at WLT and our partners would like to extend a big thank you to Robert. At this critical time for nature, it is fundraisers like you that inspire us to keep on working for a living planet.