Dan is preparing to run the Saddleworth three peaks - twice in one day!

Running the Saddleworth Three Peaks could be considered daunting enough, but endurance running enthusiast Dan Mounsey is going to do it twice in one day!

Dan is Marketing and Business Development Director at Oldham-based Hill’s Panel Products (HPP) Ltd, and is undertaking his own unique encounter as part of HPP’s support for Mahdlo Youth Zone’s Saddleworth three peaks charity challenge on Saturday, July 1.

He is one of a 10-strong team from the Scottfield Road company, which manufactures and supplies board, doors and fitting to the fitted kitchen and bedroom industry, taking on the 15-mile circular route – although he’s the only one planning on running it, and doing it twice!

The challenge takes in local landmarks Indian’s Head, Pots and Pans and Wharmton Hill, and involves just under 3,000ft of climbing – which means Dan will be completing a distance equivalent to more than a marathon with almost 6,000ft of ascent and then descent thrown in for good measure.

Mahdlo Youth Zone is dedicated to young people from all over Oldham aged 8 to 19 years, and up to 25 for those with a disability.

The Egerton Street centre is open seven days a week and is a dedicated warm hub where anyone can drop in for a hot drink, friendly chat and a warm up.

This summer’s three peaks challenge is one of several fundraising events Mahdlo organises to fund its mission to provide opportunities for young people to be the very best they can be.

HPP was one of Mahdlo’s founding patrons when the youth zone launched in 2012 and has recently reaffirmed its support by becoming a Bronze Patron, promptly raising £354 by taking part in a grey and yellow (Mahdlo’s corporate colours) fundraising day.

The cash was raised via a raffle, cake sale, football scratch cards and a wear yellow ‘non uniform’ day in exchange for a donation.

Dan, who hails from Saddleworth, said: “When we met with the Mahdlo team recently it was really eye-opening how their role in the community changed post pandemic and now with the cost-of-living crisis.

"They’re not just a dedicated youth zone, they’ve become a full family service with their warm hub and everything else they do, and it inspired me to do something to help.”

It’s not the first time HPP has entered a team (pictured above) into the fundraiser - which last year raised more than £11,000.

A seven-strong team raised £750 when they took part in 2019.

Dan added: “I aim to set off early and hope to get a good distance done before the main body of walkers take to the route, but I’m hoping to finish around the same time as everyone else, especially the rest of the HPP team, so we can all celebrate together.

“I won’t be looking to set any speed records, but I’m used to endurance running, so I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

Dan’s last endurance adventure came two years ago when he completed a 50k (30 miles) off-road, ultra-trail challenge near Huddersfield in 6 hours and 19 minutes, finishing a very respectable 35th out of 91 finishers.

On that occasion he was running in aid of Tameside, Oldham and Glossop MIND in memory of his late mum, Gillian, a former nursery teacher who suffered with mental health problems in later life.

He said: “I began with short runs during the first Covid lockdown and gradually progressed to longer distances and off-road trails, which I enjoyed more.

"Through the Strava running and social networking app, I got in touch with an old friend, and we started running together and he suggested the idea of entering some races.

"Activity is good for mental and physical wellbeing, whatever your age and ability, whether it's walking, running or something else.

"I'd encourage us all to build some regular activity into our lives and to look after our physical and mental health."

To sponsor Dan and the HPP team, check out their fundraising page here

For more details about all Mahdlo events in 2023, visit its website here

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