Going the extra mile for Smudger – fundraisers launch Triple Peak Challenge

Dozens of players, coaches and friends of Siddal ARLFC in Halifax are launching a Triple Peak Challenge to raise money for The Nick Smith Foundation, set up in memory of the club’s former captain who died at the age of 38 from motor neurone disease.
By Abigail Kellett
Published 20th Oct 2020, 10:00 BST
Updated 20th Oct 2020, 13:42 BST
Ben Jackson (left) and Martin Scrimshaw (right)Ben Jackson (left) and Martin Scrimshaw (right)
Ben Jackson (left) and Martin Scrimshaw (right)

On the May Bank Holiday weekend next year (Saturday 1 – Monday 3 May), three teams will take on the Yorkshire Three Peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough over three days.

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A core team of 10, led by Siddal open age coach Martin Scrimshaw and Siddal U16s coach Ben Jackson, will take on the toughest test – three peaks a day for three days – climbing a total of 15,600 feet, walking 72 miles and all in less than 72 hours.

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In addition, two junior teams from the club will take on three peaks in a day – one team on Saturday, one on Sunday.

Supported by a Triple Peak Challenge Crew, the teams will try and raise as much as possible for The Nick Smith Foundation and their work to support amateur rugby league.

Martin Scrimshaw said: “We love a challenge at Siddal and bringing three teams to the Yorkshire Three Peaks to complete the Triple Peak Challenge is one of the biggest we’ve faced.

“The core team of ten who will take on all three peaks once a day for three days know this will be a tall order, but all we need to do to drive us on is remember the challenges that Nick faced when he was diagnosed and how he faced them with dignity and courage.

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“Smudger loved Siddal and Siddal loves Smudger. We’re proud to be able to support the charity set up in his name and to support the sport he loved and we love through the work they’re doing for rugby league.”

Stephen Naylor, chair of the Nick Smith Foundation and Nick’s brother-in-law, said: “This is an amazing challenge and we’re really grateful to Scrimmy, Jacko and their teams for coming up with the idea and raising money in Nick’s memory.

“Siddal ARLFC was a huge part of Nick’s life from a young age and their support in the three years since his death has meant a huge amount to all of us in his family. I know this challenge will raise a lot of money which will make a real difference to the work we can do in his name.”

Anyone interested in taking part or supporting the event can get in touch and find out more at www.triplepeakchallenge.com

Related topics:Nick Smith FoundationHalifaxBen Jackson