Lynton woman takes on Three Peak Challenge

A Lynton woman is gearing up to conquer the Three Peak Challenge in memory of her friend and to support North Devon Hospice. 

Evie Wyatt will climb the three peaks on July 12-13 which include Ben Nevis in Scotland at 5am, followed by Scafell Pike in the Lake District in England, and culminating in Snowdonia, Wales, at 4.30am.

With just under £4000 raised already, Evie is determined to make a difference by undertaking this daunting task.

She will be completing the challenge within a team of seven who are also raising money for North Devon Hospice. 

For the challenge, the hospice required an entry fee of £280 with a minimum of £500 sponsorship.

This fee includes a one night accommodation in Fort William, mountain leaders, an official medal, training where walkers must attend two training days in the lead up to the challenge and the cost of the minibus and fuel who will drive the group between the peaks. 

“The main reason that has pushed me to do this challenge is in memory of the best boss lady anyone could have wished to have! Mrs. B aka Betty Boundy,” Evie shared.

The Three Peak Challenge involves scaling the three highest peaks in Scotland, England, and Wales - Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, and Snowdon - all within 24 hours. 

Motivated by the memory of her friend and mentor, Mrs. B, also known as Betty Boundy, Evie recounts the profound impact Mrs. B had on her life. 

The pair met at Garson House in Lynton where they both worked. 

“I rocked up to her care home a single mother of two children new to the village struggling to find my way 17 years ago! She soon became my mentor and teacher of life skills, a friend to my family! My agony aunt - I became her prodigy!” Evie said.

“Mrs. B fought hard from the day she was unwell to the day she became a star in the sky on Sunday 17th September 2023. During this time, she enjoyed life in remission, but it was made short, a good life taken too soon.”

Betty found solace in the care provided by the North Devon Hospice during her final days, inspiring Evie to take on this challenge.

Evie's connection to the North Devon Hospice runs deep. 

The hospice not only supported Betty through her cancer but also provided invaluable care to her and offered her wellbeing days.

They also gave Betty's family support. 

With Evie's 40th birthday coinciding the same year as the hospice's 40th anniversary, Evie saw the challenge as a perfect opportunity to give back.

“I can't put into words just how amazed I am by the support that I've received. There is just so much gratitude,” Evie said. 

Preparing for the challenge has pushed Evie out of her comfort zone. 

As part of her training Evie has completed a solo trip to the Lake District where she has already walked up Scafell Pike. 

“I like walking. But yeah, this is taking me out of my comfort zone, doing things on my own,” Evie said, reflecting on her solo camping trips and rigorous mountain hikes.

“The overwhelming support from my community and the memory of Mrs. B keeps me motivated,” Evie added. 

She will also be hosting a bingo evening on Friday, May 3 at The Old Station Inn in Kentisbury, with some amazing prizes up for grabs. 

Reflecting on the journey ahead, Evie has acknowledged the prospect of climbing Snowdon in the dark but finds solace in the expertise of her guide and the camaraderie of her fellow challengers - all united in support of the North Devon Hospice.

You can support Evie here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/paying-forward-for-the-care-in-the-name-of-mrs-b-x?utm_campaign=p_lico%20share-sheet-first-launch&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR1VLX9dfxve0qTRd49KxQnNntO843GWxDOq_zIZ-B6OfFeQ5WdV117MZN4_aem_AWd2H2iVgOUdaX0YDP9JLW5bqPstJ39IpuoMegkQHWJFTMiKrLMD_K3TVVM7c2HYsS6e9VeH4egBcO4Gdi7ilL4X