TECHNOLOGY specialists are set to swap keyboards for hiking boots as they take on one of Yorkshire’s toughest endurance challenges in the name of charity.
Employees from Solihull-based Certes IT Service Solutions will take on the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge, a gruelling 24-mile trek that must be completed within 12 hours next month in aid of Forces Employment Charity, which supports UK veterans and military families as they transition into civilian careers and rebuild their lives.
The route covers the iconic summits of Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough, testing both physical stamina and mental grit.
The 10-strong team has been training hard with early morning hikes, weekend walks and group sessions to build the resilience needed for the challenge.
But for the walkers, the event is about more than just conquering the peaks as four of the team members are themselves recent ex-military.
Craig Fitzsimmons, who is a former Regimental Sergeant Major and now a project manager at Certes IT, has organsied the event.
He said: “As a veteran, I know the reality of leaving the Forces, it can be tough, and finding work is often the hardest battle. I’m not alone in that, which is why supporting the Forces Employment Charity matters so much to me.
“Taking on the Yorkshire Three Peaks is more than just a physical and mental challenge. It’s about giving back and proving that with resilience, determination, and teamwork, we can take on whatever lies ahead.
“I’m proud to be taking colleagues from Certes on this challenge, some are former Forces who want to give back and support those making the same transition they once faced, and others are non-service personnel who are stepping up to show their support and make a real difference. It will test all of us, and I’m grateful to have a team willing to step up for this charity.
“Our mission is clear, to raise as much as we can to help other service leavers on their journey, securing meaningful employment, regaining their sense of purpose, and building a stronger future for themselves and their families.”
The team are hoping to raise £5,000 for the charity.
Alistair Halliday, chief executive of the Forces Employment Charity, said: “Attempting three mountains in just 12 hours is no easy feat! We’re incredibly grateful to the team from Certes IT Service Solutions for undertaking the Three Yorkshire Peaks Challenge to raise funds for the Forces Employment Charity.
“For over 140 years, we have helped the Armed Forces community succeed beyond service, building careers, shaping futures, and living with purpose. Thanks to fundraisers like the Certes team, we can continue supporting those who need us.”
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