Denvilles dad conquers Three Peaks Challenge on his staircase for Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association

WHEN his Three Peaks Challenge attempt was postponed, a determined Denvilles dad took to his staircase to help a charity which has supported his family.

By Belinda Dickins

Published 14th Jul 2020, 14:59 BST

Updated 14th Jul 2020, 15:22 BST

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Along with three family members, Simon Hoyle was due to take on the well-known event of climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon for Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association, which has been invaluable since his son Dexter was born with the condition.

When the climbs were postponed to 2021 due to Covid-19, Simon spent 18 hours and 45 minutes over three days to do the equivalent on his stairs at home.

Sister-in-law Elizabeth Chandra came up with the idea - and he raised more than £1,400 in the process.

Simon Hoyle from Denvilles took on the equivalent of the Three Peaks challenge on his stairs at home to raise money for Portsmouth Down Syndrome which has helped the family since his son Dexter was born with the condition. Pictured: Simon with his wife Anjali and son Dexter

Simon Hoyle from Denvilles took on the equivalent of the Three Peaks challenge on his stairs at home to raise money for Portsmouth Down Syndrome which has helped the family since his son Dexter was born with the condition. Pictured: Simon with his wife Anjali and son Dexter

Simon took on the 22,111 steps and kept going despite knee problems from day one, because he wanted to support the charity which has struggled during the pandemic.

The 39-year-old said: ‘It was a bit daunting at first, but it’s like anything you’re doing - it’s pacing yourself.’

The challenge looked like it was over when his knee gave way after day one, but Simon made it through by taking it one step at a time for the charity close to his heart.

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Simon Hoyle from Denvilles took on the equivalent of the Three Peaks challenge on his stairs at home to raise money for Portsmouth Down Syndrome which has helped the family since his son Dexter was born with the condition. Pictured: Simon before taking on each 'peak'

Simon Hoyle from Denvilles took on the equivalent of the Three Peaks challenge on his stairs at home to raise money for Portsmouth Down Syndrome which has helped the family since his son Dexter was born with the condition. Pictured: Simon before taking on each 'peak'

Simon and his wife Anjali knew from 17 weeks into pregnancy that Dexter, now 20 months, would have Down syndrome.

They threw themselves into finding support to make sure he would be happy and healthy, and came across the Portsmouth charity.

‘They have helped us massively,’ said Simon.

‘They have been brilliant and without them it would have been much harder, both with Dexter’s development and our mental wellbeing as parents.’

Simon’s efforts have been well-received by the charity, which needs extra support more than ever.

Ken Ross, charity trustee and development officer, said: ‘For many charities, including ours, donations have largely dried up, as funds have been diverted to NHS and Covid charities.

‘This incredible fundraising effort by Simon is extremely welcome, and the fantastic total raised in sponsorship will fund our early development groups which benefit Simon’s son Dexter and our other pre-school children at the charity, teaching them the skills they need to reach their developmental milestones and prepare them for school.’

Visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ThreePeaksChallengePDSA to donate.

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