In reply to mikewiggs:
Hi Mike
Suggest you search the site to get more background - and you may find that there is a lot of antipathy to the idea. Having said that, the doing it in 24 hours is a major part of the problem, and taking a more leisurely 3 days alleviates some of the issues e.g. of driving when tired, turning up in Wasdale in the middle of the night, etc.
There is unfortunately a 'Charity 3 Peaks Industry' which does little to endear it to the local populations and seems happy enough to cause a lot of disruption to others, who are supposed to be happy because of it being for Charity.
Personally, I'd recommend having nothing to do with them and going and doing the hills with your mates if you want, having a leisurely trip and donating to a charity of your choice (and maybe the local MRTs or other organisations). Other options for masochists include public transport between the hills, self-propelled (especially if you know a competent yachtsman and crew!), or just doing something completely different.
Taking novelty items of furniture and leaving them on the summits is also frowned upon
Hope you have a good trip
cheers
b