A brave team of construction leaders took on brutal weather conditions to climb three of the UK’s tallest mountains in just 24 hours so that they could raise funds for charity.
Led by South Coast CPS, organisers of a leading regional property and construction conference, the team of 18 attempted to climb Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, and Snowdon all within 24 hours to fund START – a vital therapy programme for survivors of sexual abuse in Hampshire – as well as the Saints Foundation.
The challenge was co-organised and sponsored by Stantec, Gleeds, Morgan Sindall and Ridge Group’s Jubb – some of the region’s top construction and engineering companies.
Despite adverse weather conditions and 70 mile an hour winds at the summits, two hikers successfully managed to complete the climb within the 24 hour target.
Gracelands provided parking for the participants and a minibus. Members of the START team also lent their support and volunteered as drivers.
Among the team was Katerina Spaull, Principal Structural Engineer at Jubb UK and Chair of Women in Property’s Solent Hub. A survivor of Childhood Sexual Abuse known as CSA, Katerina credits START’s now-suspended retreat programme called LOTUS – an intensive course that looks at how trauma affects victims and survivors as well as providing a range of useful trauma coping strategies
Katerina said: “I was referred to START in 2022. The LOTUS programme is an intensive course that looks at how trauma affects victims and survivors as well as providing a range of useful trauma coping strategies. Due to funding cuts the LOTUS concept has since been paused and START’S Winchester centre has now been closed with only online therapy sessions being offered.
“We want to help to get the LOTUS retreat programmes back up and running again in whatever format so other survivors can benefit from it and look to expand it for those who need it most.
“There’s so much taboo around the topic of sexual abuse. I want to raise awareness of the charity’s work and help break down the stigma. Getting the LOTUS in-person retreat programmes back up and running again is a huge part of that, to help other survivors.”
Katerina wanted to do something that really pushed her limits, but it was the importance of the cause and the support of her team that really got her through the highs and lows.
“The Three Peaks Challenge was such a fun experience.” She said. “We bonded and stuck together as a team. My head torch gave out halfway down the descent of Scafell so the team came together and created a halo around me. It was sketchy due to river crossings and water filled ravines but we got through it together!”
Lucy Richmond, Director of South Coast CPS, said: “The Three Peaks Challenge was an idea we came up with on a whim – which then snowballed! Many of the team were first-timers too.”
“The team should be very proud to have taken on this challenge for such amazing charities. We hope our fundraising will help them continue to make a big difference.”
START’s counselling services are available across Winchester, Basingstoke, Andover, Aldershot and Fleet but the LOTUS programme is a service that’s unique to Hampshire and it’s something truly special.
The Three Peaks Challenge is part of South Coast CPS’s year-round calendar of events culminating in the South Coast CPS Conference on 13th November 2025 at St. Mary’s Stadium.
