A GOVERNOR at Writtle College is aiming to climb the UK's three highest peaks – and also cycle the 427 miles between them all in a mere six days.
Paul Downer, 46, who works as the managing director for a landscape contracting company near Colchester, will climb Ben Nevis before cycling 254 miles over three days down to Scafell Pike in Cumbria on the fourth day.
After a further two days and 173 miles, he will finally climb Snowdon.
Mr Downer, who has been a governor at the college since 2008, will be undertaking the challenge with 15 other landscapers and industry colleagues from across the south and east of England.
The group members, who will start their challenge on September 6, hope to raise £20,000 for Perennial, the Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Society, which helps gardeners experiencing hard times.
Mr Downer said: "I've been training since March – this has involved two gym sessions a week and two or three cycle rides a week at up to 75 miles.
"I have been training with my 15-year-old son James and last month we completed a 20 mile climb in the Cairngorms in seven hours – I can't just concentrate on cycling.
"This is going to be an immense challenge as it will be six continuous days with little time for recovery."
