HGV drivers Darren Hibbert & The Wanderers conquer Ben Nevis for Mind during hottest days of year

Date published: 19 June 2023

A group of HGV drivers from P&H Haulage – on behalf of the JD Sports Distribution Centre at Kingsway, Rochdale – climbed Ben Nevis in aid of mental health charity Mind.

The ‘Wanderers’, led by Darren Hibbert, conquered Scotland’s highest peak during the sweltering temperatures on 13 and 14 June, taking around four-and-a-half hours to reach the summit.

The Wanderers are made up of Chris Bullock, Dawn Cooney and her partner Stuart Noden, Ryan Parry, Ryan Randle and newcomers Steve Moore and Jim Derby.

The team previously climbed Snowdon in 2021 and Scafell Pike in 2022, raising over £1,000 each time.

Darren and the Wanderers hope to raise £1,000 for a third time, with £500 being raised ahead of the climb.

Darren said: “It was an epic effort from team Wanderers who all made it to the summit and returned relatively unscathed. We’re on target to smash the £1,000 as we hoped to raise 50% before the event with loads more sponsorships to be collected.

“I'd like to thank all team members for their efforts in fundraising and in training and actually reaching the top of Scotland's unscathed highest mountain.”

He added: “Shout out to everyone touched by Mind; our t-shirts were spotted and actually got plenty of attention and even some extra donations in Fort William on the day.

“Lastly I'd like to thank my lovely wife for her support, for her own struggle for her inspiration to me to achieve this monumental challenge, I love you always.”

Donations can still be made via JustGiving.