City of Manchester Stadium team prepare for Three Peaks Challenge

The 27 strong team, which includes employees from Manchester City Football Club, will be tackling Ben Nevis in Scotland, Scafell Pike in England and Snowdon in Wales. The keen hikers will be setting off for Ben Nevis next Friday (July 3, 2009) where they will climb the first mountain. After that, they will be climbing Scafell Pike on Saturday and finally Snowdon on Sunday. Heather Ludlam, 26, from Ashton-Under Lyne, a hospitality co-ordinator at the Stadium who is taking part in the challenge said: "I decided to take part because it was a team building exercise and a personal challenge. We have been training since January and taken trips to the Peaks and Lake District to ensure we are fully prepared. "As a group we are raising money for the New Children's Hospital Appeal in Manchester, which is the Stadium's nominated charity. I have never done anything like this before, and when we were practising I nearly decided not to do it as it was really hard work. However, I am really looking forward to the challenge now and raising vital funds for such a worth while cause." This is not the first time this year that the have-a-go team have taken on a challenge to raise money for charity. Earlier this year they swapped their formal uniform for the essential trainers and tracksuit as they took part in the Great Manchester 10K Run in May. David Chell, City head of sales, concluded: "The hospitality, conference and events teams are always ready to take on a challenge and get involved in team building exercises. "We pride ourselves on the calibre of our staff here at the Stadium, and their willingness to get involved in events such at this and the Manchester 10K Run really demonstrates their commitment and determination to succeed. I wish them all the best of luck."