A team of 16 colleagues from across Hodgson Sealants will lace up their boots next month and take on one of the north of England’s most iconic walking challenges – the Yorkshire 3 Peaks.
With 11 walkers from our Heckmondwike site and five from Beverley, the challenge began life as a team bonding idea and has since grown into something much bigger.
Steve Smith, Operations Manager, says the experience has already had a tangible impact beyond the hills, with the social side of training just as rewarding as the physical, with colleagues already noticing the positive impact on day-to-day working relationships back at the office.
He commented: “We have really enjoyed spending time socially with one another and I can see the benefit this brings when at work. Realising this would be a great opportunity for us to come together as one team was what made us open the challenge up to colleagues in Beverley too.
“The challenge was originally a personal one – about pushing ourselves, building team morale and having something to work towards together. But the team has decided to use the occasion to raise money for a worthwhile cause – The Howarth Foundation. This is a small, self-funded, family-run charity based in Yorkshire that helps people who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or fleeing domestic violence back into meaningful employment and training.”
The Beverley team taking part (L-R): Julie Taylor, Steve Smith, Sarah Dodds, Shelly Bayram, Luke Chester
The Heckmondwike team taking part (L-R): Craig Heald, Steve Hargreaves, John Travis, Steve Smith, Jennifer Shaw
On 18th July 2026, the team will set off on the classic anti-clockwise circuit from Horton-in-Ribblesdale, taking in Pen-y-Ghent (694m), Whernside (736m) and Ingleborough (723m). The route covers 24 miles and 5,200 feet of ascent – and the team are targeting completion in under 12 hours.
Preparation has been well underway. Several of the Heckmondwike team have been getting their miles in with training walks, including a recent trip to Mam Tor and the Hope Valley in the Peak District, as well as their first official peak, Pen-y-Ghent.
The team have set themselves an ambitious fundraising target of £1,000 for The Howarth Foundation. Every donation, however small, will help change lives right here in Yorkshire.
You can support the team and donate via their JustGiving page: Donate here
