Energise Energy Join Stevie’s Family and Friends to Complete Three Peaks Challenge
Walking For Stevie
Last weekend members from the Energise Energy Solutions team took on the Three Peaks Challenge in support of Stevie, who is sadly battling Batten Disease. The challenge was a huge success and at the time of writing over £15,000 has been raised to help improve Stevie’s quality of life.
Stevie’s Fight
Stevie (pictured right with Energise Director Bevan) sadly began losing her vison four years ago before she was formally diagnosed with Batten Disease, a rare degenerative terminal illness that can cause seizures, blindness, loss of hearing and mobility problems.
Sadly as the disease has left her blind, her bungalow needs work done to suit her needs. This includes level access flooring, an accessible kitchen and sensory room.
To help give her the best quality of life possible, #WalkingForStevie was created, fundraiser based around the Yorkshire three peak challenge. A target of £25,000 was set and already the £15,000 milestone has been smashed.
There is still time to donate by following the link below!
The Challenge
The Yorkshire Three Peaks route is 24 miles (38.6km), and includes 1585m (5200ft) of ascent across the peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough. It took the fifteen-strong team around 10 hours to complete the trek
It owes its origins to three teachers from Giggleswick School, near Settle, who claimed to have completed a walking circuit in 10 hours in 1887. Gradually it became an accepted feat of endurance and times of between five and six hours were claimed during the 1920s and early 1930s.
Stevie’s dad, Paul, said “I have to say this is the hardest challenge I have ever attempted but also the most rewarding, the spirit and determination of the group was amazing and crossing the finish line together was such a good feeling!”
Supported Every Step of the Way
The walkers wouldn’t have been able to complete the challenge amazing support team which included Stevie and her Mum Karen. Throughout the walk they provided the walking team with food and drink that was kindly donated by New York Bakery and M&S Food Cortonwood.
It gave Stevie and the younger ones the opportunity to take part without having to take on the gruelling journey. Paul added “It’s important to add that it would have been impossible to complete the walk without the support team made up of family and friends that provided food and drinks and blister plasters at check points.”
Raising Awareness
Up each peak the team left specially painted rocks made by Kerry Beatson featuring the hashtag #WalkingForStevie to help spread awareness to the extremely rare neurological illness.
In preparation for the day Stevie and Paul appeared on ITV Calendar News to share her story about how she keeps smiling and pushing forward despite her devastating illness. Here the family also talked about the support they are receiving from the Batten Disease Family Association (BDFA), which raises awareness of the condition and links families with experience of the disease.
You can read the rest of Stevie and Paul’s interview with Calendar here.
A Final Word From Us
Energise Director, David Catley said “From me, one of the hardest challenges I’ve ever completed, but one of the most deserving. Amazing group of people doing amazing things for a special family”.
Bevan added, “it was a great experience, we are absolutely delighted to help Stevie in this way and hopefully the changes that will be made to the family home will now be able to have a much more comfortable day-to-day life.”
If you can spare any money and would like to help, please follow the link below.
