76 teams raise money for Tŷ Hafan Hospice in GE Aviation Event
Welsh Rugby Union stars Rhys Williams, Tom Shanklin and Robin Sowden-Taylor joined teams from GE sites across the UK to take part in the GE Aviation Welsh 3 Peaks Challenge at the weekend.
Starting at 4am at Pen-y-Pass in Snowdonia on 11th June, 76 teams had just 15 hours to scale the highest mountains in North, Mid and South Wales -- Snowdon, Cadair Idris, Pen-y-Fan. Those brave enough to take up the Challenge walked a total distance of over 20 miles and made a total ascent of 9,397ft (2,864m) whilst seeing some of the most spectacular views Wales has to offer.
The Challenge is raising money for the Tŷ Hafan, the family hospice for young lives near Cardiff. In the 12 years the event has been running, over £1million has been raised and almost 4,000 people have taken part from Wales, Germany, France, England and Scotland.
This year's Challenge also marked the first time that a large number of teams from GE sites around the country will be taking part, with competitors from GE Capital sites in Hounslow and Bristol, GE Dowty Propellers in Gloucester and GE Mobile Water in Peterborough amongst the participations.
Tori James, Welsh adventurer, and Community Liaison Officer at GE Aviation in Nantgarw, said;
"The Welsh 3 Peaks Challenge is the highlight of GE Aviation's volunteering calendar and a wonderful experience for both participants and volunteers. It started out after a group of employees at GE Aviation took part in the National 3 Peaks Challenge and wanted to do something that was for Wales, raising money for a very worthy Welsh cause."
Tori, who was the first Welsh woman to climb Mount Everest, was one of 77 volunteers from GE Aviation in Nantgarw marshalling the event, providing the all-important support and encouragement to the participants, as well as ensuring their safety.
Former Welsh International Rhys Williams led his team made up of other well-known names from the world of rugby.
"Having lived my whole life in Wales, this is the first time for me climbing any of the 3 peaks. It was a great experience and the day reignited my competitive side whilst raising funds for a great charity".
Owain Cassidy from Tŷ Hafan added
"The Challenge has become the charity's flagship event since it started twelve years ago and on behalf of all the children, young people and their families who have used, and continue to use, Tŷ Hafan's services, I would like to sincerely thank the staff at GE Aviation for all their commitment and hard work over the years".
The event follows on from the successful Challenge in 2010 where £116,500 was raised for Tŷ Hafan. Watch the video from last year here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCl0uNBSopo&feature=player_embedded
More information about the Challenge can be found at www.welsh3peaks.co.uk and about GE Aviation at www.geae.com
Sara Cruz
scruz@eloquipr.co.uk
0207-534-0623