An intrepid team of walkers from Drive System Design (DSD) have raised over £8,000 for Cure Leukaemia after completing the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge.

The nine-strong team from the Leamington Spa-based engineering firm braved some unseasonable late summer weather to complete the three peaks – a total of 24 miles and 5,200 feet of ascent – in under the normal 12-hour target.

Their impressive effort is the latest in a long line of fundraising initiatives from the innovative company, showing support for their DSD colleague Lizzie Dean, now in remission after a long battle with leukaemia.

“Cure Leukaemia is a fantastic cause and one we are proud to support,” said Mark Findlay, Managing Director with DSD.

“The Three Peaks team did an incredible job, trekking for 10 hours through the wind and rain to raise funds and awareness for the charity.

“Already we’re looking forward to plan our 2019 fundraising challenge, and hope to significantly add to the £10,000 we’re aiming to raise this year.”

The team comprised George Scott, Iain Fitzpatrick, John Morton, Luca Martinelli, Nick Rivara, Pedro Zabala, Phil Bradshaw, Quentin Coret and Simon Shepherd.

They completed the challenge which involves taking on the peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough in under 12 hours.

This is the latest challenge of many which DSD have undertaken in support of charities which improve the lives of people suffering with blood cancer.

Currently, Dr Thomas Holdstock, a Control Engineer with the company, is closing in on completing a staggering 3200 miles bike ride from Los Angeles to New York, expected to take around 32 days.

Lizzie, aged 29, was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia four years ago and has endured a gruelling period of treatment since that time, including a relapse following a stem cell transplant and then a world-first clinical trial, made available by funds raised for Cure Leukaemia.

Lizzie with her DSD colleagues earlier this year

Having inspired her colleagues with the courage and determination which has seen her return to work, Lizzie has now paid tribute to their efforts in the latest fundraising challenge.

She said: “Since my diagnosis, everyone at DSD has been so supportive to me. Not having to worry about work has been a big help throughout my treatment and I’m hugely grateful to them for that. I was so happy when they chose Cure Leukaemia for their fundraising this year and the guys have taken on some seriously impressive challenges. I am very proud to be Team DSD!”