PCs conquer three peaks for retired service dogs

Four people dressed in waterproof black police anorak with hoods. Two have head torches and one can be seen with walking sticks. There is green vegetation behind them.Image source, Northamptonshire Police
Image caption,

The ascent of of Scafell Pike started in the middle of the night

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A team of police dog handlers has completed a gruelling mountaineering challenge in aid of retired service dogs.

Four constables from Northamptonshire and a sergeant from Leicestershire scaled the highest peaks in England, Wales and Scotland in just over 25 hours.

They have so far raised more than £3,000, which will be split between two charities.

"This was, without doubt, the hardest and most physically demanding challenge that any of us have ever done," said PC Bradley Bowman.

"We know that the Three Peaks Challenge is meant to be done in under 24 hours but considering the awful weather and some traffic disruption along the way, we're really proud of ourselves for completing it in the time we did.

"Our bodies are now in pieces!"

Five people in wet weather gear, wearing caps and standing on top of a mountain surrounded by mist. The surface of the mountain is mud with stones laid in places.Image source, Northamptonshire Police
Image caption,

The weather was not on the side of the Three Peaks team

PCs Bowman, Daniel Bradley-Brophy, Lucy Sculthorpe and Sean Foster from Northamptonshire Police were joined by Sgt Grace Feavyour from Leicestershire.

The titanic trio of mountains total a height of 3408m (11,182ft) over a distance of 23 miles (37km).

The sun was beaming down on the team as it started its ascent of Ben Nevis in the Scottish Highlands on 13 June but the heavens opened an hour into the climb and continued throughout the challenge.

There was a weather warning in force at Scafell Pike in Cumbria, where thunder crashed around them in the early hours of the following day.

The challengers finished with their descent of the rain-soaked Yr Wyddfa, also known as Snowdon, in Wales, that afternoon.

The funds raised will go to the National Foundation for Retired Service Animals and Hero Paws - Life after Service, both of which look after dogs who have served with various organisations including the police, prison service and Border Force.

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