On Saturday 21 June, the longest and one of the hottest days of the year, a group of brave hikers travelled to Yorkshire to tackle the Three Yorkshire Peaks challenge for the Open University Students Educational Trust (OUSET).
The team collectively raised over £2000 for the charity, enough to fund a module for an Open University student! Among the team was Open SU Wales Rep Michael Jones, who has shared his experience of the journey with us.
"I woke up on the day of the challenge not knowing what I had gotten myself in for—not yet realising why they called it a challenge. I was determined to complete it and support the rest of the team wherever I could.
On the train journey there, I met a fellow student, and we chatted about our studies and the wonderful initiatives run by volunteers at Open SU. Everything from the Study Together Body Doubling sessions to casual social chats and in-person meetups. We talked about how grateful we are for the Union, and I listened to the direction she would take it in, given the opportunity. It’s a privilege being able to do this as a Student Representative on the Student Leadership Team (SLT).
My appreciation for our student community, and my passion for supporting the university in providing every student with the opportunity to be the best version of themselves, motivated me to take on this challenge and raise money for OUSET, a charity who supports current current students who are facing financial hardship and have nowhere else to turn. To me, OUSET is a gem for the Open University student community.
When we arrived at our destination, we were met with a few challenges including unreliable Google Maps, and even bags falling apart! This led me to take a taxi, and we were lucky that our driver turned out to be a mountain rescuer, who gave us some great advice: “Don’t run.” Being an eager individual, I can say I certainly tried to abide by it.
At our accommodation, we met another student studying Environmental Studies, who very graciously ordered us some watermelon that was well needed in the heat. Later, we went to the pub where we shared stories and, of course, built up our anxieties about the challenge ahead. We returned to the same pub later that evening with more of our lovely group, chatting and getting to know one another. It set us up perfectly for the next day’s hike (though my nerves were still running wild).
The day of the challenge
A 5am wake-up—how inhumane for this late sleeper! But it was worth it. Kitting up, getting ready, and preparing ourselves for the hike would pay off later. I made sure to pack all the drinks and snacks I could find (plenty of chocolate, of course!).
We drove to the starting point. Nerves were taking over, but I embraced a “let’s do this” attitude, which truly helped me push through. Fortunately, I’d live to walk again! Partway into the walk, we had to make the tough decision to split into two groups—a faster- paced one where I found myself, perhaps unwisely, and another who wisely took time to admire the view. Making friends, taking on the wilds, coming out victorious, and witnessing the breath- taking views of the Yorkshire Dales—this was an experience I’ve never been so fortunate to have before.
To anyone considering the hike: I hope you do it. And when you do, I hope you feel as grateful as I do to have completed it—for yourself, and for the amazing student community we’re all a part of."
