Five Coleg Gwent staff will be taking a step away from their desks, and thousands of steps toward mountainous summits when they take on the Welsh 3 Peaks challenge for Ty Hafan.
Alex Anderson, Alison A’Court, Paul Morris and Ian Rowe will all don their hiking boots, waterproofs and compasses to climb Snowdon, Cadair Idris and Pen-y-Fan in under 15 Hours on the 11th June. Phil Jones will be a single handed support crew – driving the team to their locations to make sure they complete the challenge safely and on schedule.
Following a presentation by Ty Hafan at the Caerphilly Business Awards which the group attended, they decided to take up the challenge and put a team together for the charity. “It’s a great cause,” said Alex, Head of Estates Development & Facilities.
“Although my wife thinks I’m trying to prove something before I turn 40 later this year, I love walking up mountains and 3 in a day sounded like too good a challenge to miss!”
Collectively the group have been clocking up some serious training to get in shape for the event, including circuits, hiking and even completing the Abergavenny 3 Peaks challenge at the end of March.
For Paul Morris, Head of Performing Arts at Crosskeys Campus, it’s a completely new experience, but he’s certainly got stuck into training: “I’ve been getting up, ready and out of the house for a run every morning at 6am, each time taking on bigger hills to prepare for the steeper parts of the challenge.”
Health & Safety Manager Ian Rowe is no stranger to keeping fit, having competed in triathlons and road running races in the last few years. He’s crossing his fingers this will stand him in good stead: “Three mountains in one day does sound a bit daunting, but hopefully my running will get me through the day!”
Providing logistical support for the team is Health & Safety Officer Phil Jones. His primary role is to get the rest of the team from one mountain to the next. He may not be taking on the same physical challenge, but his role certainly demands preparation and planning, as well as keeping the team’s progress on track.
“I’m learning how to use Sat Nav so I hope we won’t get stuck down any country lanes!” he said. “I’m looking forward to supporting my colleagues and Ty Hafan and I’m confident the team will give 110%.”
With such a big event come the inevitable last minute worries: “I keep thinking about not finishing, getting lost, being slowest, and the life of my IPod battery!” said Paul.
But with so much preparation under their belts the team are putting aside any nerves and looking forward to the challenge: “I’m sure there will be a few aching muscles at the end of the day but having completed the Abergavenny three peaks with Alison and Alex I am pretty confident we will all complete the challenge unscathed,” said Ian.
Overcoming the tough physical challenge of the event is just the start for the team, who also need the help of supporters to reach their fundraising target of £1100.
“To motivate us to complete a daunting challenge, please sponsor us at www.justgiving.com/ColegGwentSummitUp and dig deep for Ty Hafan, an excellent childrens’ hospice,” said Alex.
“Raising the £1100 needed is a challenge in itself so all sponsorship money will be greatly appreciated.
“Thanks to Coleg Gwent for financial and logistical support to our team ‘Coleg Gwent Summit Up’.”
