More than 270 participants took on two iconic mountain challenges this summer, raising an incredible £252,546 to help vulnerable  children in the UK, India and Tanzania.

Railway Children is celebrating another outstanding year of fundraising after hundreds of supporters from across the rail industry laced up their walking boots and climbed some of the UK’s most iconic mountains as part of its Yorkshire 3 Peaks and 3 Peaks by Rail charity challenge events.

Held across May and June 2026, the two events brought together more than 270 participants from rail companies throughout the industry, raising a combined £252,546 to help Railway Children protect and support vulnerable children found on transport networks around the world.

Yorkshire 3 Peaks delivers another successful year

The first challenge took place in May when more than 80 participants tackled the renowned Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge, sponsored for the 6th year by Angel Trains.

The determined walkers conquered the peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough in a single day, taking on the demanding route through the stunning Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Thanks to the efforts of participants, volunteers and supporters, the event raised £30,000 for Railway Children.

Record-breaking 3 Peaks by Rail challenge

In June, more than 180 participants took part in the charity’s flagship 3 Peaks by Rail Challenge, headline sponsored by Porterbrook for the 8th year.

The unique event sees challengers attempt to climb the highest mountains in England (Scafell Pike), Scotland (Ben Nevis) and Wales (Snowdon/Yr Wyddfa), travelling between locations on a specially commissioned train, exclusively laid on for the challenge.

This year’s event proved particularly demanding as participants faced exceptionally hot weather during the UK’s summer heatwave. Temperatures exceeding 30°C created challenging conditions throughout the weekend and resulted in Scafell Pike being deemed too dangerous to summit, with organisers prioritising participant safety.

Despite the unprecedented conditions, participants demonstrated remarkable determination and resilience, helping the event achieve its highest fundraising total ever, raising £222,546 for Railway Children.

Rail industry support continues to make a difference

Funds raised through both challenges will help Railway Children continue its vital work protecting vulnerable children who are alone and at risk on transport networks across the UK, India and Tanzania.

The charity works directly with children in crisis, helping them access safety, support and opportunities for a better future.

Railway Children is also thanking the rail industry for its ongoing commitment to the events, with companies continuing to donate their time, expertise, resources and funding to ensure the challenges can take place year after year.

Alongside sponsorship, many rail businesses also enter teams into the events, with employees taking on the demanding mountain climbs themselves to raise funds for the charity.

Rob Capener, Chief Executive of Railway Children, said: “Every year I am blown away by the commitment, generosity and determination shown by our supporters across the rail industry, and this year was no exception. To see more than 270 people take on these incredible challenges and raise a combined £252,546 is truly inspiring.

“The conditions during the 3 Peaks by Rail Challenge were particularly tough, and I’d like to congratulate every participant for their resilience, teamwork and dedication. A huge thank you must also go to our sponsors, Angel Trains and Porterbrook, whose continued support helps make these events possible.

“Most importantly, every pound raised will help us reach vulnerable children who have nowhere else to turn. On behalf of everyone at Railway Children, and the children and young people we support, thank you for making such a difference.”

Sign up for 2027

Expressions of interest for both the Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge and 3 Peaks by Rail Challenge are now open for 2027.

Those looking for their next fundraising challenge can also explore Railway Children’s growing programme of events, including the cycling challenge Ride the Route, the walking event Rail Trail, and the triathlon-inspired England Triple, taking place in September and October.

To find out more and register, visit www.railwaychildren.org.uk/events