ARTHINGTON resident Hugh Robinson marked the fifth anniversary of his Parkinson’s diagnosis by undertaking the National Three Peak Challenge over three days.

Together with four friends, Bob Hoyle, Jack Hoyle, Kev Jackson and Dougie Underwood, they nicknamed themselves Shakin Hugh and the Stabilisers.

They started with the highest peak Ben Nevis on Friday, May 17 and then undertook Scafell Pike on Saturday and finished with Snowden on Sunday.

They were blessed by sunny hot weather which was welcome in this so far very wet year.

Hugh, a retired police inspector, had previously completed a tandem skydive in 2020 but wanted a harder physical challenge and he certainly got one from start to finish.

The total walking distance is 23 miles (37km) and the total ascent is 3064 metres (10,052ft) - twice the ascent of the Yorkshire Three Peaks, over a similar total walking distance. The total driving distance was over 900 miles.

Ilkley Gazette: At the top of Scafell Pike At the top of Scafell Pike (Image: submitted)

Hugh, 60, said: "I was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2019, and in August 2020 completed a sponsored tandem skydive to fund research into the world’s fastest growing neurological condition. Despite Covid lockdowns and distancing restrictions I raised in excess of £2,300

"The skydive was exciting and great to do, but I needed my next fundraiser to challenge me physically, and mentally. Since diagnosis I have found that exercise is my best medication, and my symptoms are fairly steady but every day is different, so three consecutive days hill walking are definitely a challenge for me."

The first peak was Ben Nevis. "They don't come any bigger, none of us had done it before and the heat made it draining," he said.

"Getting to the top I felt elation but it was tempered by the fact we still had two to do."

The second peak Scafell Pike was lot busier and hotter than the day before, so lots of fluids were needed. "It was good we got two down, with one to go," said Hugh.

"Once we got to Snowden, physically I felt good because it was the last one and we'd had better sleep and initially it was cooler and it was easier walking.

"It was very emotional reaching the third peak - I was swept away and without my friends I couldn't have done it.

"If you had told me five years go I would walk the three peaks I would have thought you were in cloud cuckoo land."

Ilkley Gazette: At the top of the final peak of Snowden At the top of the final peak of Snowden (Image: submitted)

Wharfe Valley Active supported the challenge supplying with team clothing and the team thanks them for their support.

So far the team's challenge has raised in nearly £4,000. It will go towards the Parkinson UK Leeds branch. The branch holds a monthly social meeting at St Chad's Parish Centre in Leeds on the second Wednesday of every month.

They also run support groups for partners and exercise classes, such as seated exercise, yoga and circuit training, which Hugh would advise anyone with a Parkinson's diagnosis to take advantage of.

Hugh added: "Without varied exercise I would be on more medication."

The team can still be sponsored at: https://www.justgiving.com/page/hugh-robinson-1708276477707