Reds in the Community trustee and Barnsley Football Club chaplain Peter Amos will this weekend take part in the National Three Peaks challenge to raise money for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME).

Peter will be acting as a guide for his sister-in-law Amanda Kayes and her husband Richard, as they attempt to tackle the Six Peak Challenge, tackling Yorkshire Three Peaks and National Three Peaks in just three days.

Around 17 million people suffer with ME, a ruthless and destructive illness which can leave some sufferers virtually bed bound, suffering from extreme physical exhaustion, dizziness, vertigo and nausea among other symptoms.

It is estimated there are around 250,000 people living with ME in the UK alone.

Amanda and Richard will today take on the Yorkshire Three Peaks, a near 11 hour challenge with an ascent of around 5,200ft, before Peter both drives them to and guides them over Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowden.

Amos will be climbing around 9,700ft in the space of 24 hours, as well as having to drive 462 miles, a journey of nearly 10 hours which they aim to have completed on Sunday.

Peter himself has suffered with ME, while Amanda’s brother, Paul, has suffered with the illness for 15 years and her cousin, Lisa, also suffers, making the challenge even closer to all their hearts.

Amos said: “Having suffered with ME myself for five years I am attempting the National Three Peaks for the fourth time to help raise money for research and to be a living example of what can be for those who are debilitated by this dreadful illness.”

Amanda has been constantly challenging herself with similar challenges as she continues to help raise funds for ME sufferers.

This year’s expedition follows on from climbing Mount Kilimanjaro last year and Amanda added why she continues to put herself through the challenges.

“I feel compelled to keep trying stupid challenges to try and help the 17 million sufferers of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME),” Amanda added.

Paul has suffered terribly with ME for 15 years, as has my cousin Lisa. Their lives have been destroyed, but they are still the kindest, funniest and mentally tough people I know.

“We want to show we care by raising money to help this incredible charity find a cure.”

A Just Giving page https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/richard-pughe1, has been set up and any donations for their cause would be greatly received by all taking part.

Reds in the Community would also like to wish Peter, Amanda, Richard and everyone else who is taking part the best of luck!