Three Peaks Challenge drive

  • Football legend drives close to 900 miles in Mercedes Vito
  • Team of six trek highest peaks in England, Scotland and Wales in 24 hours
  • Vito 116 CDI provided by Ciceley Commercials’ Bolton branch

BOLTON Wanderers football legend Jimmy Phillips teamed-up with Mercedes-Benz Vans dealer Ciceley Commercials to support a team of charity walkers that showed how their Vito rises to the Three Peaks Challenge.

The Three Peaks Challenge entails trekking over the highest points of England, Scotland and Wales within 24 hours, which means a comfortable, reliable vehicle in which to drive between them is every bit as crucial to success as strong legs and lungs.

Jimmy, who racked up more than 300 appearances as a defender for his home town team, acted as support driver to the team of walkers, driving between the three hiking sections in a nine-seat Mercedes-Benz Vito Tourer loaned by Ciceley Commercials’ Bolton branch.

By the time he had chauffeured them back to Bolton, Jimmy had clocked-up close to 900 miles at the wheel.

“The Vito was brilliant, so smooth, quiet and comfortable that I never felt too tired,” he recalled. “Meanwhile, the walkers were also able to relax and even sleep during the drives between peaks. It was the perfect vehicle for the job, and a very important member of the team.”

As a 116 CDI variant, Ciceley’s Vito is powered by a 161hp, 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine capable of returning up to 45.6 mpg (combined cycle). Its three rows of seats, mounted on rails so they can be slid backwards or forwards, meant there was ample room for Jimmy and his six passengers, as well as all their kit.

Like all Vito models, the vehicle is also equipped with a class-leading array of standard safety features. Jimmy did not activate it, but the innovative Attention Assist system, which automatically detects and signs of drowsiness and alerts the driver through a combination of visual and audible warning signals, was certainly reassuring.

Mike Lewis, dealer principal at Ciceley Commercials, said: “We were delighted to be able to support Jimmy, Daniella and their team on this very worthy undertaking, and we knew the Vito would be just the vehicle they needed.”

 

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