Supporters of Yorkshire Air Ambulance and Day One Trauma Support, a Leeds charity supporting people affected by serious and life changing injuries, are preparing to take on one of Yorkshire’s most iconic walking routes this month as the Charity’s popular Hike4Helis Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge returns for 2026.
Taking place on Saturday 20 June, the guided fundraising challenge offers supporters the chance to tackle either the full Yorkshire Three Peaks route or a shorter one-peak option, helping to make the event accessible to a wider range of ages and abilities.
This year, more than 40 walkers have already signed up to take part, with places still available for those looking to challenge themselves while supporting the Charity’s lifesaving service across Yorkshire.
Participants taking on the full route will cover approximately 24 miles across Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough, setting off from Horton-in-Ribblesdale alongside Yorkshire Air Ambulance crew, charity staff, and CEO Kathryn Marsden OBE.
A shorter six-mile guided Pen-y-ghent route is also available for supporters wanting a gentler introduction to hiking or for adventurous younger walkers keen to support the Charity.
The event is fully guided by experienced outdoor leaders from Over Limits, with Yorkshire Air Ambulance hydration and first aid checkpoints located at Ribblehead Viaduct and Philpin Farm to support walkers throughout the day. Last year, more than 30 supporters completed the challenge in around 12 hours, raising an incredible £9,755 for the Charity.
Every pound raised through the challenge will help Yorkshire Air Ambulance continue delivering lifesaving critical care across the region, with the independent Charity relying entirely on public donations to keep its helicopters flying and crew responding to emergencies across Yorkshire.
Among those taking part this year are Jo Jones, from Tingley, and her sister-in-law Sarah Carmichael, who are walking in support of Jo’s husband, Jordan Jones, after he suffered life-changing injuries in a serious motorbike collision on Snake Pass (A57) in April 2025.
Jordan, 31, lost both legs following the incident and spent months recovering in hospital, including specialist rehabilitation in Leeds. The family say the support they received following the incident has inspired them to give something back.
Jo said, “Without Yorkshire Air Ambulance, our lives would look very different. They gave our son the chance to grow up with his dad. You never expect it to be you, but now we truly understand and appreciate what Yorkshire Air Ambulance does for families across Yorkshire. Jordan has shown incredible strength throughout his recovery, and we wanted to do something positive together as a family. Taking part in Hike4Helis felt like the perfect way to say thank you.”
The family were also supported during Jordan’s recovery by Day One Trauma Support. The organisation is also hosting its own Yorkshire Three Peaks fundraising walk on the same day, with participants from both charities joining together on the route.
While the events are being run independently, the shared challenge reflects the journey many trauma patients face, from the lifesaving care delivered by Yorkshire Air Ambulance at the roadside through to the rehabilitation and emotional support needed during recovery.
Hayley Ibbotson, Partnerships Manager, at Day One Trauma Support, said: “Jordan’s journey highlights the challenges many people and families face after life-changing injury and the ongoing support that’s needed beyond the hospital bedside and into someone’s recovery journey. We know what a difference having the right support in place can make long term.
“It’s incredibly special to see almost 30 of our supporters joining forces with Yorkshire Air Ambulance walkers to take on the Yorkshire Three Peaks together. Events like this are about far more than fundraising, they bring people together through shared experiences and show patients and families that they are not facing recovery alone.”
Jordan is hoping to meet Jo and Sarah at the finish line alongside his eight-month-old son, Finley, to cheer them on as they complete the challenge. As he continues his rehabilitation journey and prepares to receive his carbon fibre prosthetic legs, he also hopes to take on his own fundraising challenge in aid of the charities that supported him.
Kathryn Marsden OBE, CEO at Yorkshire Air Ambulance, said, “I’m really looking forward to taking part in this year’s Hike4Helis challenge alongside our supporters, crew and staff. It feels incredibly important to experience first-hand the passion, determination and community spirit behind Yorkshire Air Ambulance.
“What makes Hike4Helis so special is that everybody taking part has their own reason for being there, whether that’s supporting a loved one, challenging themselves or simply wanting to make a difference. Every step taken and every pound raised will help our crews continue delivering critical care to patients and families across Yorkshire, and we’re hugely grateful to everybody who has signed up to support us this year.”
All participants will receive a special Hike4Helis Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge medal, generously sponsored by the Gripple Foundation, alongside a free hot sandwich at the finish line.