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October 2026 Page 23 AD SALES 01204 478812 outstanding achievement. Becoming a steam locomo- tive driver requires enormous commitment, determination, skill and passion, and Steph has demonstrated all of those qualities throughout her journey. raising £13,376.18 for the hos- pice and the vital care it pro- vides to children and families. The challenge put yoga teacher Naomi’s strength and balance to the test, as she and her fellow hikers had just one day to attempt to conquer Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough, covering 24 miles and climbing a punish- ing 5,200 feet. “I had a little wobble at the final eight miles when my feet were suffering the biggest blisters I have ever seen,” said Naomi, who took part with her sister, Gemma. Naomi’s son Nolan, 22, and their family have been sup- ported by Derian House for six years. “Every bit of discomfort was worth it knowing we were doing this to raise money for Derian House,” said Naomi. “What I experienced for one day is just a tiny fraction of what some of the children and families face every single day – and yet they continue to show such incredible strength and smiles. “Derian House is a warm, welcoming and friendly space where Nolan has made friends and enjoyed so many amazing experiences. FromUV night- clubs and Christmas celebra- tions to the regular Friday Night Club. “Nolan is the biggest Bolton Wanderers fan, and through Derian he has met the team a number of times. The incredible staff and children at Derian hold a very special place in our hearts. “Taking on the Yorkshire Three Peaks has given us the opportunity to give some- thing back to the place that has given so much to our family, while also helping to raise awareness. “Thank you so much to everyone who has sponsored us, joined us on training walks, sent messages, given encouragement or simply believed we could do it.” Emma Jacovelli, Fundrais- ing Manager at Derian House, joined the team in tackling the Three Peaks. She said: “We’re incredibly proud of everyone who took on the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge, especially our Derian families who pushed themselves through 24 tough miles to raise money for the hospice. Seeing everyone keep going despite the rain, fog and tired legs was brilliant, and the support people gave each other throughout the day really stood out. “It was fantastic to see nine hospices come together and support each other through- out the day. Every step and every pound raised will help us continue providing vital care to children and families across the North West.” Naomi’s blistering three peak challenge Achievement: Naomi and sister Gemma Full steam ahead for Steph Dream come true for railway’s first female locomotive driver Dream achieved: Steph Elwood on the footplate A MUM has revealed how she battled the “biggest blisters” she has ever seen in a gruelling Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge – to raise funds for Derian House, the Chorley-based hospice that cares for her son. The mega event brought together more than 200 supporters from 10 hos- pices across Lancashire and South Cumbria. Naomi James-Crook was among a Derian House team of 25 families and supporters who tackled the Three Peaks, THE East Lancashire Railway (ELR) celebrated a landmark moment in its history as it welcomed its first female steam train driver. Steph Elwood, who has successfully completed her driving assessment has described her achievement as “a dream come true”. It marks the culmination of a long journey on the rail- way, following the traditional route through the steam department from cleaner to fireman and ultimately to becoming a qualified steam locomotive driver. Her success is not only a significant personal achieve- ment, but also an important milestone for the ELR and an inspiration to other women who may aspire to become part of the steam locomo- tive crew. Mike Kelly, chairman of the ELR, said: “I want to offer Steph my warm- est congratulations on this “What makes this achieve- ment particularly special is that Steph has become the first female steam locomotive driver in the history of the East Lancashire Railway. “She may not see her- self as a pioneer or a role model, but she should take a moment to appreciate what she has achieved. “By following the tradi- tional route from cleaner through the steam crew ranks to the footplate, she has not only achieved her own ambition but has also helped to open the door for other women who may dream of becoming steam locomo- tive drivers. “The ELR depends upon passing knowledge, skills and traditions from one gen- eration to the next, and we hugely appreciate the dedica- tion of all our volunteers who give their time and passion to keep our railway’s herit- age alive. “Steph is now very much part of that tradition, and I hope her achievement will inspire and encourage many more women to consider becoming involved in the fascinating world of herit- age railways.” Steph said: “It feels like such a huge achievement, and I still can’t quite believe that I’m now officially a Passed Fireman, allowing me to carry out both firing and driving turns. “My love of heritage rail- ways goes back to when I was just two months old, when I attended my first Santa Special. “To think that, all these years later, I would be here achieving this is something I could never have imagined. From being a little girl fasci- nated by steam trains to now having the opportunity to drive one myself is a dream come true. “I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who has sup- ported, encouraged and helped me along the way. There have been challenges and a lot to learn, but every step of the journey has made reaching this moment even more rewarding.” She added: “The East Lan- cashire Railway has given me the opportunity to turn a life- long passion into something I never thought possible, and I’m excited to continue that journey and play my part in keeping the wonderful tradition of steam alive for future generations.” Steph’s achievement comes as the ELR continues its commitment to preserving not only historic locomotives and railway infrastructure, but also the skills, knowledge and traditions that make her- itage railways unique. The ELR says it hopes that Steph’s success will inspire the next generation of railway volunteers and demonstrate that a career or volunteer- ing journey on the footplate is open to anyone with the passion, commitment and determination to succeed. It is one of the UK’s leading heritage railways, operating approximately 12 miles of historic railway between Heywood, Bury, Ramsbottom and Rawtenstall. The railway reopened to passengers in 1987 and will celebrate its 40th anniver- sary in 2027. Success: Fellow loco driver Fraser Birrell congratulates Steph on passing her exam (Photo credit: Liam Barnes and Je! Albistion)