Dad finishes Three Peaks challenge in son's memory

Gordon Winter with daughter Kezia at the summit of Ben Nevis, in Scotland

A father has climbed three mountains in 24 hours and raised £15,000 for suicide awareness charity Papyrus along the way in memory of his son.

Gordon Winter's son, Finn, was 20 when he took his own life while at Loughborough University.

Mr Winter and his daughter Kezia, from Guildford, were joined by 33 others for the Three Peaks challenge on 22 and 23 June, and said they felt Finn’s encouragement as they took on the challenge.

Mr Winter said there was "a lot of blood, sweat and tears" as well as "a lot of smiles and happy moments".

Finn Winter, pictured, took his own life on 1 May, 2023

“It was a slog," he added. "The weather was not the greatest on the first two mountains, lots of drizzle, poor visibility.

"But we did have some sunshine to finish on Snowdon so it was a nice way to end.”

The Three Peaks challenge sees participants attempt to climb the highest mountains in England, Scotland and Wales in less than 24 hours.

Mr Winter, who completed the trek with just three minutes to spare, said: “There were quite a few tears on the way down but I was determined to give it my best shot and thankfully I scrapped through.

“I will always have two children, just one is not in this world with us.”

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