Good luck to our amazing Yorkshire Three Peaks fundraisers!
4 September 2026
Fundraisers head to the Yorkshire Dales to make a difference for Mersey Care hospitals and services
The 24.5 mile hike is taking place on International Day of Charity
A team of incredible fundraisers are heading to the Yorkshire Dales to take on a special challenge in support of Mersey Cares.
They all have different reasons for taking on the challenge, but they share the same passion for giving back and the kindness and determination to make a difference to the lives of others.
The team includes five Mersey Care district nurses, a Mersey Care Occupational Therapist and a family member who wants to give something back for the care his mother and sister have received from Mersey Care staff and services.
The challenge is one of the UK's most iconic hiking routes: a demanding 24.5-mile circular trek taking in the three peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough. It is being supported by mountain leader, Phil Lee and his team from Overlimits, with the team seeking to complete the challenge in under 12 hours.
We're proud to be holding this event on International Day of Charity (5 September) an annual global celebration of charitable giving and community spirit. It's a day that highlights the importance of supporting others and the difference we can make when we work together for a good cause.
Learn a little more about our Yorkshire Three Peaks Class of 2026 team below - and if you're able, you can even support their fundraising with a small donation.
Chris Williams-Stainthorpe
We’re so moved that charity worker, Chris Williams-Stainthorpe reached out to support Mersey Care, wanting to give back for the care his family has received from Mersey Care, and particularly, Clock View Hospital.
“Mersey Care hospitals have supported our family at some very crucial points, with my Mum and sister being treated in their hospitals for a combined eight months over the years,” he shared.
“I'm very grateful to have this amazing NHS Trust and know how lucky we are. I also love a good walk, so this challenge will be a fab (though very knackering) way to give a little back to such an incredible cause that has been there for our family at the toughest of times. I'm trading blisters for donations, so please give what you can to support this amazing cause.”
Helen Baxendale, Mersey Care Lead Occupational Therapist
Helen works within the secure care service at Hollins Park and is fundraising for Mersey Cares to specifically help expand an allotment project that is already making a positive difference to patients at Hollins Park.
“Our allotment is going great and giving our ladies lots of opportunity to grow themselves, and they are keen to see the project grow further. We'd love to get the polytunnels up and running again so that more patients can benefit from the experience of working outdoors and gardening."
Helen admits there's a healthy mix of nerves and excitement ahead of the challenge, but she's drawing confidence from a previous peaks-related experience.
"I remind myself that two years ago I completed the National Three Peaks Challenge with family members. I was the oldest in the group and I managed it, so I'm hoping I'll be OK with this one too!"
Five members of the Croxteth and Norris Green District Nursing Team will be swapping home visits for hiking boots as they take on the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge in support of Mersey Cares.
Team leader Lynne Morgan, alongside colleagues Diane Neill, Sophie McKenna, Jess Smith and Emma Pierce will tackle the demanding 24.5 mile route all while raising funds to support projects that make a difference to patients, service users, carers and staff across Mersey Care.
Explaining why they decided to sign up, Lynne said:
"When I heard about the challenge, I immediately recognised it as a fantastic opportunity to enjoy something I love alongside my colleagues, while also raising money for Mersey Cares. We are all incredibly excited to be taking part and have been working hard to raise as much as possible for this wonderful charity."
"There are five of us completing the challenge together, and I know the teamwork, encouragement and moral support we can provide one another will be invaluable throughout the day. Taking on the Yorkshire Three Peaks is no small feat, but we are determined to support each other every step of the way."
Taking part in a Mersey Cares fundraising challenge helps us to make such a difference across our communities - supporting projects that fall outside of NHS funding but improve the lives and experiences of people accessing specialist, mental health and community support across the region.
A huge thank you to our incredible fundraisers, and also to everyone who supports them with words, kindness and sponsoring their fundraising adventure.
