Tom Burton, Managing Director of Essex-based Thornwood Design & Build, is tackling the challenge alongside his uncle, Alan Burton. The nephew-and-uncle duo began their journey on Thursday 30th July with an overnight sleeper train from London Euston to Scotland, before climbing and descending Ben Nevis on Friday 31st July. They are now partway through an eight-day journey through Scotland, England and Wales by bike and on foot, taking on more than 20 hours of climbing along the way.

Their route will see them cycle from Fort William to Glasgow (120 miles), then on to Carlisle (110 miles), before a seven-hour climb of Scafell Pike. From there, they’ll ride to Wigan (105 miles) and on to Llanberis (110 miles), before finishing with an ascent of Snowdon and returning home by train from Bangor.

Tom is no stranger to a challenge, having completed numerous mountain climbs and cycling events over the years, including a previous ascent of Ben Nevis. He sets himself one significant challenge each year, and when the opportunity to support Little Havens Hospice arose, it felt like the perfect fit.

Tom said: “I aim to achieve one significant challenge each year, and doing it in support of such an amazing cause made it even more meaningful. When the opportunity came up, it felt like the perfect way to push myself while raising vital funds for Little Havens Hospice and helping support the incredible work they do for local children and their families.”

The pair have been training around their work and family commitments, fitting in early morning and late-night rides during the week, with longer weekend rides to build mileage and stamina ahead of the challenge.

The preparation hasn’t been without its setbacks. Alan was sidelined by an ankle injury during training, throwing his place on the ride into doubt and raising the prospect of Tom having to take on the challenge alone. Alan has since recovered and the pair are taking on the Three Peaks together as planned.

Speaking before setting off, Tom said he was prepared for saddle soreness, steep climbs and unpredictable weather, but was focused on the reasons behind the challenge.

Tom said: “Supporting children and families who use Little Havens is a cause that genuinely means a lot to me. Knowing that the funds raised will help provide vital care and support to local children and their families is all the motivation I need. Saddle soreness, steep climbs and staying safe on the roads are likely to be the toughest parts of the challenge, and the weather is another factor we’ll have to adapt to – but we’re excited to take on the challenge and push ourselves beyond our comfort zone.”

Tom and Alan have now smashed their £5,000 fundraising target and hope to raise as much as possible for the charity, which relies heavily on donations to provide expert, compassionate care to babies, children and young people living with incurable and complex conditions, and support for their families, across Essex.

To support Tom and Alan’s Three Peaks cycling challenge, visit their JustGiving page:  Thomas Burton is fundraising for Little Havens Children’s Hospice

Published on 6th August 2026