Following an incredible display of resilience and determination, staff from Manchester-based independent paint manufacturer HMG Paints, have successfully completed the demanding British Three Peaks Challenge.
This challenge saw the HMG team conquer the UK’s three highest mountains over three days, raising funds for their three chosen charities of 2025: Cancer Research, Francis House Children’s Hospice and Memories by Hudson.
The challenging event, saw 12 dedicated members of staff from HMG travel across the UK, pushing their limits to scale the highest mountains the UK has to offer: Ben Nevis in Scotland, Scafell Pike in England, and Snowdon in Wales. The team aimed to complete this task in their own style, tackling one mountain each day.
The journey began with Scotland’s Ben Nevis, the highest peak the challenge had to offer. The team faced an unexpected challenge, as they ascended and descended on what turned out to be Fort William’s Hottest day in 20 years, with temperatures reaching a scorching 28 degrees during their descent and humidity soaring to 95%. This remarkable coincidence, aligning with HMG’s 95th anniversary, felt “written in the stars.”
Next, the team looked to conquer Scafell Pike, England’s highest peak based in the Lake District. After their first climb, finding the motivation for the second climb was tough for the team at HMG. Despite their tired legs and the heat that lingered on the day, the HMG team rallied together and powered through, demonstrating great resilience and reaching the second summit. As the team powered through, they proudly raised their company flag at England’s highest point marking the end of their second journey.
The final ascent took HMG to Wales’ Snowdon, where they encountered the full force of British weather. Winds at the summit of Wales’s highest peak reached an unbelievable 60mph, combined with relentless rain and hail, providing a true test to the team as they were close to the finish line. The successful summit of Snowdon meant that HMG had conquered both the Three Peaks Challenge, as well as everything British weather had to offer.
Nathan Rayner, Production Operative at HMG Paints, reflected on the journey: “Character building, facing fears, sunburn, windburn, hail and rain, we faced all that British weather could throw at us. But through it all, it was a challenge filled with teamwork, banter and lots of laughter.”
Throughout the weekend, the fundraising efforts provided by HMG’s community were nothing short of phenomenal. The team’s original goal of £1000 was not only met but surpassed before the climb had even begun, a testament to the incredible support from HMG staff, suppliers and customers. With this early success, HMG set their sights on a new target of £2500, which was once again met as the final peak was conquered.
“The National Three Peaks Challenge turned out to be even more demanding than I had imagined” said Brian Dowling, HMG Paints’ Health, Safety and Environment Manager.
“Mother Nature certainly played her part in testing us, but as the aches and pains begin to fade, what remains are the powerful memories of a truly shared experience. Completing this challenge and raising this money means a great deal, we may have set off as colleagues, but we returned as brothers.”
HMG Paints is incredibly proud of the team, their effort and dedication to pushing their limits to raise funds for three great causes has been truly inspiring. For anyone who would like to support the fundraiser they can do so by visiting the HMG Paints Three Peaks Fundraiser page here
