JAMES Hopkins feels like he’s on top of the world after completing a Three Peaks challenge.
The Hipperholme Grammar School head boy walked three peaks to raise funds for Halifax charity The Next Step Trust, where he volunteers.
And he completed the mountain of a challenge while sitting his A-levels.
The teenager climbed from the Hill Inn at Chapel-le-Dale in the Peak District, just at the foot of Ingleborough, quickly followed by a climb up Pen-y-ghent, the second Peak, and on to Whernside.
He said the second peak was “a difficult one and was, in my opinion, the hardest, although not the worst.”
James explained: “The next part of the challenge was the hardest and most soul destroying part of the entire day, as we had to walk from Pen-y-ghent to Whernside, the last Peak.
“The distance was probably about eight miles, but the peak didn’t seem to get any closer as the hours ticked by, and I began to suffer with chronic foot pain and felt I was at the point of being unable to walk any further.
“However, filled with determination, we pressed on and thankfully reached the Ribblesdale Viaduct at the foot of Whernside at about 3.30pm, where we stopped at The Station Inn for a drink before beginning the final ascent.
“This final ascent was difficult; however we managed it in the end and even took a photo with the last of the three Trig Points as we had done on top of the other peaks.”
The whole day ran from 7.20am and finished at 6pm.
James added: “Overall, the day was very enjoyable. Yes, it was difficult, but I got a great sense of achievement out of it and I’m proud of myself for managing to finish the challenge.”
So far, James has raised well over £400 for the Next Step Trust, which is a day care facility for young adults with severe and complex needs.
