We helped raise thousands of pounds for Worcestershire Royal Hospital after taking on one of Britain’s toughest endurance challenges – the National Three Peaks.
A Polish–British team from Worcestershire scaled the three highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales – Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon – in brutal conditions of heavy rain with ice, gale-force winds and dense fog. Together they have raised more than £5,000 for the Royal’s Laurel 3 oncology ward and cancer charities.
The group, led by Tomasz Wisniewski, Chairman of the Worcester Polish Association, was far from a team of professional athletes. “Most of us are well past our first youth, every one of us carries extra weight, and each has our own health struggles,” Tomasz explained. “We didn’t leave those struggles at home, they came with us as pain in our legs, shortness of breath, aching joints and fatigue on the mountains. But we put our own problems aside, because the suffering of patients and families battling cancer was far greater than anything we felt. That gave us the strength to keep climbing.”
The physical challenge was compounded by exhaustion. After every ascent and descent, the team had to climb into two vans and take turns driving hundreds of miles through the night, with virtually no sleep, to reach the next mountain as quickly as possible. “It was relentless,” said one member. “We were either climbing, passing through deep water or driving to climb again. There was no real rest.”
The challenge was also dangerous. Each year several people lose their lives attempting the Three Peaks, and along the route the team passed many walkers who had suffered serious injuries. Robert Jankowski, one of the team members, recalled: “We saw the reality of how dangerous these mountains can be. Tragically, people get injured and some don’t make it home. Even in our own team, two serious incidents occurred that could have ended very badly, but thanks to quick reactions and teamwork, everything turned out well. It was a reminder that we were not only fighting fatigue but facing real risk.”
The team’s efforts were supported by Worcester Polish Association and Mr Roo Williams owner of C&C Flooring, who not only backed the challenge financially but also climbed alongside the group. His wife Jacqui, currently undergoing treatment for cancer, followed the expedition closely from Worcester.
“Standing on the summits of Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon was one of the most moving experiences of my life,” Roo said. “As a climber, it tested my strength, but as a husband and a sponsor, it meant so much more. Every step reminded me why we took on this challenge to prove that when we support each other, no matter how high the mountain, we can reach the top together.”
Jacqui added: “Although I could not climb those peaks myself, my heart was with the team every single step of the way. Watching Roo stand on the summits filled me with tears of pride and hope. In my own fight with cancer, their success has become a symbol that no battle is too hard, no peak too high, when love and unity guide us forward.”
For the team, climbing side by side was not just a fundraiser but a powerful symbol of friendship between Worcester’s Polish and British communities.
“When cultures meet in respect and friendship, we can achieve extraordinary things together,” Tomasz said. “Our mountains were real, but they also stood as a metaphor for integration and solidarity.”
The challenge may be complete, but the group insists the mission is not over. “Cancer does not rest, and neither can we,” Tomasz said. “This was never about one person it was about what we could achieve as a community. We faced our own weaknesses, but in helping others we found strength. And that, I believe, is the true summit.”
Tomasz Wisniewski
Photos: Worcestershire Polish Association
From the editor: If you would like to support the charity cause, donations can be made directly to the fundraiser or to
Worcestershire Polish Association:
Account number: 75544360
Sort Code: 30-96-26
