Whatley quarry team take on Three Peaks Challenge – and win!

A team from our Whatley quarry in Frome, Somerset, successfully completed the Three Peaks Challenge within 24 hours, climbing the highest mountains in England, Scotland and Wales in memory of their late colleague.

The challenge was undertaken to raise money for The British Heart Foundation and saw the team climb Ben Nevis in Scotland, Scafell Pike in the Lake District and Snowdon in Wales – a total ascent of 10,052ft.

Last December, Pat Orman, an electrician at Whatley quarry for over 20 years, died suddenly. Since then, the team has been determined to turn their loss into positive action and find a fitting way to commemorate him.

The team, comprised of Vincent Pitt, James Veakins, Dan Welch, Shaun Eaton, Kyle Smith, Chris O’Connor and support driver Dan Billing, faced exceptional circumstances during the challenge.

Severe weather conditions caused delays, including poor visibility and 55mph winds on Scafell Pike and a fallen tree on Snowdon, which meant they had to be redirected, adding time and distance to their task. 

Despite these conditions, the team ran the last three miles down Snowdon to complete the challenge with just 63 seconds to spare.

So far, the team has raised over £7,000 through its Just Giving fundraising page, with donations from family and friends, as well as customers and suppliers, and the company charity matching scheme.

This effort builds on our commitment to support heart health, demonstrated by the installation of defibrillators in the local villages of Whatley and Chantry, ensuring life-saving equipment is available in emergencies.

Vincent Pitt, Area Manager, South West Aggregates, said: “This was a huge team effort under some very tough conditions, but everyone showed such determination, especially in the last few miles.

“We are proud to honour our friend and colleague Pat in a meaningful way and are extremely grateful for the support we have received.”