7 September 2026
St Mark’s, Forest Gate, celebrates its 140th anniversary this year, and the church community has been keen to mark this significant milestone. To commemorate the occasion, the Revd Ben King, Vicar of St Mark’s, Forest Gate, took on the Three Peaks Challenge to raise funds in support of the life and mission of the parish.
In May, the Revd Ben King completed the iconic challenge which involves climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon – the three highest peaks in Scotland, England and Wales - within 24 hours.
The Revd Ben King reflects on the Three Peaks Challenge:
“I’d heard of the Three Peaks Challenge and resolved that this would be a good way of celebrating 140 years by raising funds to help resource our mission and ministry for the next 140 years.
“I’m glad to say that with the loving support and prayers of many at St Mark’s and beyond, I completed the challenge at the end of May, with just seven minutes to spare!
“I felt wonderfully upheld and sustained by God every step of the way and am also grateful for the number of incredible opportunities I had to witness about Jesus to other members of my team. To be honest, it felt more of a spiritual adventure than it did a physical challenge.
“Thank you to everyone who has supported and prayed for me as I’ve taken on this challenge. Your support means so much and will make a real difference to what we are able to do as a church – enabling us to continue to run community projects, supporting families and young people, and creating spaces where people can explore faith and find belonging.
“Having reflected on my own experience, may I also encourage others to consider some kind of challenge as a fundraiser for your church. Doing the Three Peaks certainly seems to have captured the imagination and God has used it in wonderful ways. All glory to Him!”
The Revd Ben King's fundraising total has far exceeded its initial target of £2,000 and currently stands at more than £6,000. Anyone wishing to support the appeal can donate by visiting the JustGiving website and searching for ‘Ben’s fundraiser for St Mark’s Church Forest Gate’.
This article is taken from the latest edition of WePray.
