Richard Nicholls, from Bristol, was trying to decide how to mark his 70th Birthday. He spoke to his niece Pip, who told him about a 3 Peaks Challenge she was doing, for Gympanzees.....
Richard was moved to complete the challenge as Pip’s son Charlie has Cerebral Palsy and Gympanzees has supported the family.
Richard described training for the event as ‘several months of leg ache, and bruised toes’ and questioning whether he was ‘overreaching his abilities’. This worry was exacerbated by the news of the event being pushed back another year due to Covid-19. Despite his worries, Richard couldn’t get the thought of Charlie and his family out of his mind.
“Charlie and his family are so inspirational. Charlie is a clever young man, but Cerebral Palsy limits his coordination so he’s in a wheelchair, getting others to understand what he wants to do and say must be so frustrating, but he never gives up, always ready to smile and has a wicked sense of humour.”
“His parents, Pip and Danny, care for Charlie 24/7 whilst still looking after their very energetic daughter. Despite how tiring and draining this must be, they always greet you with a smile and are always helping others”.
Richard completed the 3 Peaks on the weekend of the 12-13th of June 2021 and not only did he complete the challenge, but out of a group of 47 walkers – he was part of a small number to complete the challenge within 24 hours.
“With 90 minutes to get down, it was all or nothing. Everyone had pains, knees, calves, achilles but new energy was found. We ran, power walked, slid and kept going to reach the end with 10 minutes to spare.”
CEO of Gympanzees Stephanie Wheen said:
“Richard was an inspiration to everyone completing the challenge for Gympanzees that weekend. His efforts really helped push everyone forward. I hope Richard’s achievement will continue to inspire others to get involved with Gympanzees.”
Three days after the walk Richard turned 71 and was inundated by messages from his fellow walkers. Looking back on the event Richard said
“Would I encourage anyone to have a go, yes! but get your training in!”.
