Carleton fundraising champion set to tackle the 'Three Peaks' in Bispham next week for Blackpool carers

53-year-old Paul Howlett, a youth hostel manager from Carleton, is a Fylde coast fundraising champion who had planned to tackle the National Three Peaks Challenge next week.

He set himself the challenge to raise money for Blackpool Carers Centre, while carrying a two-stone teddy on his back the young carers have since named "Everest."

But following the Welsh Government's announcement of a travel ban from high-prevalence coronavirus areas of the UK in October, Mount Snowdon became off limits and the Three Peaks Challenge was no longer viable.

Despite his disappointment, Mr Howlett vowed not to let the young Blackpool carers down, and decided to complete the same height and distance of the peaks - with Everest in tow - walking back and forth along Bispham's Devonshire Road.

He will walk 10,052 feet and 80 miles along the road between November 7 and 13, a total of 174 laps each day.

And not for the first time, as he spent the first national lockdown raising £1,160 for the centre, cycling up and down the same road in fancy dress.

Paul said: "I wanted to raise money for Blackpool Carers Centre again because they've been hit so hard by the coronavirus, like so many other charities have.

"When I went to visit the young carers at the centre it was amazing. They were all so respectful, and really engaged with what I was saying.

"They decided to name the teddy Everest, which I thought was brilliant, and I want them to feel involved in the fundraising so I have a Go Pro and I'll be uploading videos and live feeds for them to follow.

"It's a shame I couldn't do the Three Peaks, but it got closer and closer and I just knew it wasn't going to work out because of lockdown restrictions."

During his last challenge on Devonshire Road, Paul became somewhat of a social media sensation as local communities began to spot his eccentric costumes while he cycled up and down.

He even received some spontaneous support from comedian Steve Coogan, who he bumped into on Great Gable with Everest the teddy when preparing for the challenge.

"It was really funny, I had to explain that carrying the teddy was for charity and I told him about Blackpool Carers Centre," Paul continued.

"I just knew I couldn't let the young people I'd met down. They have their own version of lockdown to deal with every day, so I want to help them in any way I can.

"I want to get as much support for them as possible, so people are more than welcome to give me a beep and a wave as they're driving past."

Paul is hoping to raise £500 for the Carers Centre, to bring his annual total up to £2,000.

You can visit his Just Giving fundraising page to donate, and watch his live streams and videos on the Blackpool Carers Centre Facebook page.

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