7 July 2025
Fundraisers tackle Three Peaks challenge to support sexual abuse survivors in Hampshire
A group of Hampshire property and construction experts took on the Three Peaks Challenge over the past weekend to raise money for two life-changing causes – Community First’s START service and the Saints Foundation.
From July 4 to 5, teams from companies including South Coast CPS, Morgan Sindall, Jubb UK, Gleeds, and Hydroc climbed the highest mountains in Scotland, England, and Wales – Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, and Snowdon – all within 24 hours. The challenge involved over 3,000 metres of climbing, more than 23 miles of walking, and some serious sleep deprivation and extreme weather conditions!
START is a confidential and inclusive counselling service, run by Community First, that supports people who have experienced sexual abuse, assault, or trauma – helping survivors begin the long journey to healing.
The service, based in Winchester, offers support across central and North Hampshire, with additional hubs in Andover and Basingstoke. While START originally began in 1995 helping adults, it later expanded to support under 18s as well. The team provides specialist trauma counselling regardless of age, gender, sexuality, or background, always working at a pace suited to each individual.
START Manager Steve Witheyman supported the challenge as one of the volunteer drivers. He said: “This challenge is tough, no doubt about it. But compared to what many of our clients have been through, it’s nothing. I’m proud to be part of it – and even prouder to see the support coming in for START.”
Tim Houghton, Chief Executive of Community First, added: “We’re hugely grateful to everyone who took part in the Three Peaks Challenge and to those who supported them. START is a lifeline for people who have gone through unimaginable trauma, and the money raised will help us reach more people who need our help. We can’t thank the teams enough.”
The challenge kicked off in Fort William with Ben Nevis on Friday morning, moved on to Scafell Pike in the Lake District that night, and finished early Saturday on Snowdon in Wales.