Amazing feet: Pals walk Three Peaks barefoot!

WE DID IT: From left, Josh Atherall, Charlie Fletcher, and Luke Atherall

By Simon Bristow

Three friends have pulled off a remarkable and gruelling challenge by walking the Yorkshire Three Peaks barefoot.

Charlie Fletcher and twins Josh and Luke Atherall completed the 25-mile route in just 12.5 hours last Saturday, conquering the imposing summits of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough.

The challenge was set for his pals by Charlie, 25, who told The Hull Story he was going through a “tough time” and wanted to “do something good and test myself”.

The trio certainly tested themselves and have the scars to prove it, and there’s no doubt they have done something good by raising more than £1,500 for the charity Shelter - smashing their initial target of £200.

SETTING OFF: Charlie, Josh, and Luke

Shelter supports people at risk of homelessness, and you can sponsor the trio’s fundraising appeal for the charity via their JustGiving page here.

“I was going through a tough time and decided to turn my life around,” said Charlie, from Hessle. “I wanted to do something good and test myself, and I’d already given up booze for a month.

“I was feeling a bit sorry for myself and thought other people have things much harder than me. I’ve always had a soft spot for the homeless and give them a couple of quid when I see them, so I thought of doing something that speaks to me by raising money for Shelter.”

Charlie at least had some preparation by walking ten miles barefoot around Malham Cove, but didn’t recruit Josh and Luke, 24, until later, so they went in at the deep end.

TOUGH GOING: Charlie Fletcher on the route

The trio were determined to see it through and left their boots at home “so we weren’t tempted”, Charlie said.

All three found it harder than expected. “I’m a relatively fit, strong lad so thought I’d be fine, but it was very hard and painful,” said Charlie, an industrial engineer at Ideal Heating.

They had to “bandage up” after completing the first two peaks, and set off for the third knowing there was more pain ahead. “It’s a bit daunting when you see the third and you’re only on the second,” Charlie said.

A HIGH PRICE: The trio show their bandaged feet

He described his father [Ronnie Fletcher] as a “hero” as he had driven a support car carrying medical supplies.

The pain must have been excruciating for Charlie, as he damaged ligaments in both knees, and “had to lift my legs with my arms” near the end, he said.

Asked how they’d got through it, Charlie said: “I don’t know. Sheer determination I suppose.”

It has certainly taken its toll. Charlie said: “I couldn’t walk for a couple of days but then I started getting a bit of feeling back. I’m OK now, just a bit of pain.”