Harrogate’s very own Miss England contestant was rescued after getting lost on one of the Yorkshire three peaks.

22-year-old Chloe McEwen, who was last year crowned Miss Yorkshire, took on the challenge alongside another Miss England finalist on April 22 as part of their pageant campaigns.

The former Rossett School pupil was raising money for Mind, a local mental health charity, which she volunteers for following her previous struggles with bipolar.

The women set off at 9am and started their final climb at 6.30pm. However, by the time they reached the Ingleborough summit at 8.30pm, nightfall and cold weather had begun to close in.

Chloe said:

“It was pitch black at the top and we were terrified we would fall down one of the steep slopes. We were so grateful to get down in one piece.

“We got lost and it meant that we were on top of Ingleborough at night. The batteries on our phones had nearly died and we had no back up map and compass to guide us.

“We could have fallen at any point, and we feel very lucky to have climbed down safely.”

Chloe added her hiking partner, Lisa Ellis, managed to ring 999 before their phones died and emergency services called in a mountain rescue operation.

She said the rescue team was searching for the girls for “hours”, but the pair managed to “navigate their way down the peak safely”.

They eventually reached a farm near Clapham, which was a six-mile detour from their original route, where the mountain rescue team picked them up.

The Harrogate beauty queen also said:

“We are both physically fit and had packed food and warm clothing. Our mistake was setting off too late at 9am, which meant that we did not get to the final peak until nightfall. We were determined to finish the trek for the charities that we were supporting but we should have turned back or had an expert guide to show us the way.

“When our phones were about to die at the top, Lisa felt the safest option was to call the emergency services but we really didn’t want the challenge to end. We did think about bedding down on the top, but it was bitterly cold and we were worried that we might suffer from hypothermia.

“Thankfully we found a safe route down by using our torches and we were so relieved when we got to the farmhouse where we were picked up by mountain rescue. It was six miles from the route we should have taken because we had got lost in the dark. I am very grateful to the emergency services for their help and I would urge anyone attempting the three peaks to make sure they have an experienced walker with them, head home if the weather deteriorates and don’t climb after dark.”

Chloe and fellow Miss England finalist Lisa Ellis during their three peaks challenge.

Despite the ordeal, Chloe raised more than £1,700 for Mind during her three peaks challenge. She added:

“I learnt a lot along the way, too. I know that with a positive attitude, inner faith, gratitude and courage you can overcome your greatest fears and challenges.

“I love working with Mind and have found my purpose helping and inspiring those struggling with mental health.”

Chloe’s work with the charity comes after she suffered a breakdown aged just 16.

She was sectioned for eight months after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder, which led her weight to soar by almost four stone at the time.

She made it her mission to embrace a healthier lifestyle and dedicated fitness regime, leading Chloe to became a personal trainer and is now in the running for a national beauty queen title.

Chloe will compete against 39 others at the Miss England final at the Grand Station in Wolverhampton on May 16 and 17. The winner will qualify for Miss World later this year. You can choose who to vote for here.

Read more:

• Harrogate charities urged to apply for share of £100,000 
• Harrogate’s Crescent Gardens set to become private road

A Ripon woman is set to climb the Yorkshire three peaks this year to mark one year since her cancer diagnosis.

Loren Fidler, 31, was diagnosed with grade 3, stage 2, ER+HER2- breast cancer in May 2023.

Since that “world-shattering” day, Ms Fidler has undergone four surgeries on one breast, which ultimately led to a full mastectomy, and 14 rounds of chemotherapy.

She still requires another two more rounds of chemotherapy, as well as a bi-lateral mastectomy on her other breast.

However, she recently decided to make her “come back” exactly a year after her diagnosis by climbing the Yorkshire three peaks:

“It was a world-shattering day. I want this to be my come back a year later – a way of turning my cancer-versary around.”

Ms Fidler hopes to complete the 38.6km challenge in one day, but says she will “see how her body copes” during her training climbs.

She will be joined by her partner, who has carried her through this time, as well as her sister and her 10-year-old niece.

The mother-of-two told the Stray Ferret:

“Other than cancer (obviously), this will be the biggest challenge I have ever done.

“I’m nervous but I’m excited to see what my body can do.”

Read more:

• The Stray Ferret Christmas Appeal is coming to an end – but we still need your help
• Harrogate volunteering opportunities for people who can’t commit regularly

Ms Fidler said she coped relatively well for the first six months, but added she “crashed and burned mentally” following her fourth surgery and has since faced an “uphill struggle”.

“I was quite naïve at first.

“I found the lump when I was in the shower, but I was ignorant about young cancer and had never checked my breast.

“I’d given birth a year before, so I was very lucky the doctor didn’t just attribute it to a blocked milk duct.

“After that, I sort of thought I’d just be able to have my surgery and go through chemo and that would be it – but it’s been a real mental struggle.”

Ms Fidler will tackle the three peaks in May and hopes to raise £5,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

She also hopes to host a raffle to boost the funds and invites any businesses that may be interested in donating prizes to contact her via her Instagram page.

She also issued a plea to Stray Ferret readers:

“Please check your breasts. Be your own hero – your own advocate.

“The sooner you find something the better, but these things don’t just go away because you’re scared.”

Four Harrogate friends are to team up and cycle 1,573km on stationary bikes to raise money for charity after the death of two close friends.

Henry Bartle, Ollie Ward, Joe Braham and Jeremy Butterfield will collectively cycle the distance of Harrogate to Monaco within 24 hours in time for the Grand Prix.

The money will be raised in memory of James Hindmarsh and David Brown, who both passed away last year.

All four of the group will cycle at the same time on May 27 and will aim to complete 16km every hour, then will rest the remaining time of the hour.

Jeremy Butterfield, a close friend of James and David, said:

“Both James and Dave loved F1 so it was only right we all ‘travelled’ to the Monaco Grand Prix this year.

“James and Dave never gave up in their fights and we will continue their legacies to help others fight the challenges they are facing.

“Every cycle of the bike they will be with us (probably with a smile and a Peroni in hand). Forever in our hearts James & Dave, we love you and we will make it to Monaco together.”

James Hindmarsh (left) and David Brown (Right)

Read more:

• Ripon author’s support for Ukrainian refugees
• Five year old Harrogate boy wins competition with ‘happy pizza’ design

James passed away from a rare form of cancer in 2021, whilst David lost his battle with covid last December.

Half of the funds raised from the bike ride will be donated to Leeds Hospitals Charity, who will allocate it to Leeds Cancer Centre.

Jeremy said:

“This was a centre that was very close to James’ heart. The money raised will go towards support and help for others fighting the same fight our best mate did so bravely.”

The other half of the funds will be donated to The David Brown Foundation.

Jeremy added:

“Dave was the most thoughtful, caring, gentle and humble human who did so much for children and teenagers across the district. We will follow on in Dave’s footsteps and support children’s education across the UK.”

Last year, the four friends took part in three marathons in three days, a ski tour and climbed the three peaks. They initially tried to raise the money for James’ treatment, but as he died they decided to donate the £33,275 to the Sarcoma charity.

The cycle will take place in the window of Rocca, Harrogate. You can donate to the #DOIT4JAMES&DAVID page here. 

The team behind Harrogate estate agents Feather Smailes Scales has raised more than £5,000 for charity by taking on The Yorkshire Three Peaks.

In total, 13 staff took on the mammoth challenge, which covers 24 miles and 1,585 metres of ascent on Friday, April 8.

FSS Property chose to support Maggie’s Cancer Charity with the hike. Maggie’s has centres across the UK where people with cancer and their families can access support.

Daniel Brumfitt, a partner at FSS, said:

“Maggie’s Cancer Charity is an organisation close to the team’s hearts. So many of us have seen loved ones lose the dreadful battle of fighting cancer.

“Our Just Giving campaign hopes to give back something to a group that does such fantastic work. The least we could do was hike the beautiful Yorkshire Three Peaks!

“Reaching the top of Ingleborough is a fantastic feeling; the view over the moors is even more breathtaking than the hike itself.

“Everyone finished in good spirits without any injuries, aside from a few blisters and some sore legs!”

Three Peaks Challenge

The iconic hike is recognised as one of the UK’s best walks. It is often chosen for charity hikes for its difficulty level and stunning views of the North Yorkshire Moors.

It takes in the peaks of Whernside, Ingleborough and Pen y Ghent with stunning views of the surrounding Yorkshire Dales skyline.

Everything went to plan on the day the team at FSS put on their walking boots.

They aimed for 12 hours and managed to complete it well under that, punching in a cool 10 hours and 30 minutes.

You can still donate by clicking or tapping here to help those impacted by cancer take back control of their lives.

FSS are one of the area’s only comprehensive estate agents and know the Harrogate district like the back of their hands. So the community where they are based is key.

Help FSS raise money for Maggies Cancer Charity by supporting their Just Giving page.

Four friends who worked together as teachers have raised almost £2,500 in memory of a former colleague who died of cancer.

Dee Oultram was helped by The Sir Robert Ogden Macmillan Centre in Harrogate and Saint Michael’s Hospice in Harrogate in her final days. She died aged 52 on January 1 this year.

Dee had intended to complete the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge with Paula Conroy, Laura Hunt, Fiona Laycock and Steph Cargill to raise money for the two organisations.

The five women taught together at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Knaresborough.

The challenge involves reaching the peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough in under 12 hours.

The women had to postpone their attempt twice due to covid and Dee died before it could be completed.

Her friends decided to carry on and fulfil the quest to help the organisations that did so much to help Dee and last weekend completed the challenge.

Read more:

• Harrogate charity chief executive Frances Elliot receives MBE
• Knaresborough charity shop forced to close after fifth flood

Ms Conroy said Dee was with them in spirit throughout the day. She added.

“It took us 11 hours to complete the 40 kilometres and around 55,000 steps.

“But every penny donated was worth every single step to go towards helping beautiful people through various stages of their battle with cancer!

“We laughed and we cried, there were ups and there were downs.”

Main pic: (from left) Laura Hunt, Paula Conroy, Steph Cargill and Fiona Laycock on Whernside during the challenge.

A Harrogate teenager will attempt to complete the Yorkshire Three Peaks in December as a tribute to her grandmother, who died of sepsis.

Leah Gresty undertook the challenge, which will raise money for the UK Sepsis Trust, in honour of Elizabeth Simmonite, who died on September 29. 

Elizabeth was a former butcher and baker on Knaresborough Road, Harrogate.

Leah said:

“She always liked being with nature and going for walks, so it seemed quite fitting, and it’s something that she would have liked to do herself.” 

Leah’s grandmother, Elizabeth, enjoying the outdoors

There are about 48,000 deaths from sepsis every year in the UK. 

Early diagnosis is crucial for improving survival rates. Leah, who has so far raised more than £500, hopes her challenge will spread the message.

The tough Three Peaks challenge involves climbing Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough in less than 12 hours – a particularly difficult feat in the darkness of winter.

You can donate here to Leah’s JustGiving fundraising page.

Read More: 

• Woman’s plea after cyclist runs over her dog on Stray
• Harrogate Scrubbers steps in to help disability charity

How to spot Spesis:

Sepsis, also known as blood poisoning, is a life-threatening reaction to an infection. It happens when your immune system starts to damage your body’s own tissues and organs, causing organ failure and death if not treated quickly. 

www.nhs.uk advises you to call 999 or visit A&E if an adult or older child experiences any of these symptoms: 

• Acting confused, slurred speech or not making sense. 
• Blue, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue.
• A rash that does not fade when you roll a glass over it.
• Difficulty breathing, breathlessness or breathing very fast.