A TEAM of determined veterans were ‘pushed beyond their limits’ as they undertook the three peaks challenge.
Benji’s Bandits are a group of veterans and volunteers of differing levels of fitness, abilities, and experience from the Veterans Hub in Weymouth, all aged from 25 to 64.
The group, aptly named after springer spaniel Benji, a support dog to the hub's founder, climbed the three highest peaks of England, Scotland, and Wales (Scafell Pike, Ben Nevis and Snowdon) to raise funds for the Veterans Hub and the Veterans Charity.
Team Leader James Brooks served eight years in the Royal Air Force as a Mechanical Transport Driver (MTD).
The 43-year-old said: “Taking on the Three Peaks challenge for me personally was a chance to give something back, not only to the hub but also to the volunteers that willingly give their free time to help others.
“I have witnessed some incredible transformations of individuals since being a part of the Veterans Hub. The hub can be the very foundations of which ex service personnel can start to rebuild their lives and move forward.”
The first stop of the challenge was Ben Nevis.
Mr Brooks said: “Little did we realise; our ascent of Ben Nevis was merely a warmup compared to what lay ahead, but the spectacular views offered a distraction from the tremendous efforts.
“As the team progressed higher up the mountain, warmer climates turned cold, the ground beneath our feet became more difficult, a wall of cloud greeted us as we approached the summit, but on reaching the summit, the whole team were ecstatic, this was a milestone achievement.”
Next up was Scafell Pike which Mr Brooks described as ‘the smallest of the three peaks, but by no means the easiest.’
The team began their trek in ‘the pitch black’ at 2am.
Mr Brooks added: “We were freezing cold and heavily fatigued, being pushed beyond the limits. At this point so near yet so far, the team were on the very edge. Having the willingness to carry on was a testament to the team’s strength.”
He described the scene before him as ‘a barren land, lifeless, and a soulless landscape,’ but this was the trek that would prove the teams ‘unbreakable spirit.’
After a long drive, the ‘very tired team’ finally reached their final challenge with ‘spirits soaring as high as the mountain itself.’
When they reached the top Mr Brooks said: “All the hard work had paid off, as we were serenaded by the most spectacular sunset.
“The feeling of accomplishment was real, together we had made it. The only thing left to do was return to the minibus.
“We were a team of individuals who at the beginning barely knew one another and by the end of our journey we had developed a special bond, we could trust in each other.
“What started as fundraising challenge had turned into the greatest team building exercise we had ever experienced.
“We may not have completed the challenge within the 24 hours, but we gained far more than we could ever have imagined.
“Through highs and lows, we learnt so much. What we can achieve together through times of adversity has been proven. The efforts individually and as a whole were second to none. Benji’s Bandits had become more than a team. The experience could not have been greater.”
The Veterans Hub and The Veterans Charity are grass route organisations that provide immediate support to veterans, their families, and those still serving, when they need it the most.
If you would like to donate to the teams fundraiser, visit: https://donorbox.org/benji-s-bandits-take-on-the-three-peaks-1?fbclid=IwAR3ZWr_G--aZn9daGXOQRaWurcGodOMCRDiRD-BUTHjIm-PE9lrkC4rGXGU.
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