A close-knit group of friends from the Wirral will be taking on the challenge of climbing the country’s highest peaks to raise money for charity later this month.
The team of ten will be taking on the Three Peaks Challenge on Wednesday 29th August in memory of their friend, Paul Gaddas, who sadly died earlier this year.
All members of the team were school friends of Paul and the climbing challenge is one of a number of activities planned to remember Paul.
The team hopes to raise over £1,000 for the Papyrus charity, which helps the prevention of young suicides.
They have been inundated with help, but were extremely grateful to Liverpool Volkswagen Van Centre, which has loaned them a Volkswagen Caravelle to transport all the team to and from the three mountains – Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon.
Team leader, David Wallis, from Parkgate, said: “Paul was an extremely energetic lad who loved nothing more than setting himself physical challenges, which is why we’re taking on the Three Peaks Challenge.
“All funds raised will be donated to the Papyrus charity significantly helping the charity to support and offer advice to young people suffering with depression, as well as raising awareness of the condition.
“We’ve received some brilliant support from friends and family, but being able to have the Caravelle from Liverpool Volkswagen Van Centre means the money we’d allocated for transport can go direct to the charity.
“Everyone has been taking the challenge seriously with plenty of training, although even this has been challenging due to the unusual summer weather. “
Dave Cowan, Liverpool Volkswagen Van Centre’s head of business, said: “As a business we’re always looking to help people who are doing positive things within their local community.
“David and his team are doing something amazing for their friend and I didn’t hesitate when they asked for help with the fundraising challenge.
“Everyone at Liverpool Volkswagen Van Centre is wishing the team well and is hoping for traditional summer weather for the day of the challenge.”
As well as the Three Peaks Challenge friends of Paul have also held a fund raising event in a Liverpool bar close to where Paul attended university, raising over £1,000 for Papyrus.
To donate and support the team simply go to www.justgiving.com/paul-gaddas or text ‘GADD88’ to 70070 (a Vodafone number) followed by ‘£2’, ‘£5’ or ‘£10’ and this will go direct to the charity. The number is free to text.