Barry Emergency Station ‘Peaky Climbers’ take on 3 Peaks Challenge

On Friday 19th June the aptly names ‘Peaky Climbers’, a team of Fire Fighters and Ambulance Crew who work for South Wales Fire And Rescue Service and the Welsh Ambulance Service’s NHS Trust completed the grueling 3 peaks challenge. The team who are mostly based at Barry Emergency Services Station, including some based at Emergency Services Stations in Penarth, Cardiff and Monmouth didn’t just complete the challenge – they finished it in under 24 hours!

The Peaky Climbers consisted of Mark Potter (who organised the challenge), Richard Clarke, Jake Thompson, Tony Grimley, Russel Thomas, Alex Bland, Mark Potter and Ayshea Martin. The team scaled the highest peaks of Scotland, England and Wales – Ben Nevis, Scourfell Pike and Snowdon accompanied by their support teams Jim Coles, Darren Cleaves (both have completed the challenge many times previously so were able to share a lot of guidance and tips), Steven Brown and John Mcallister who drove them to each destination and kept them fed and watered.

The team completing the challenge in aid of three charities – Fire Fighters Charity, Tasc Ambulance Charity and Mind in the Vale of Glamorgan.

The first two charities provide vital treatment, support and care for their respective Services, for the Fire Fighters and Ambulance Crew whom sustain work related physical injuries and mental health issues whilst they are working on the frontline, thus helping to keep them in work and supporting these workforce communities.

Mind in the Vale of Glamorgan was their third chosen charity. Fire Fighter and Challenge Organiser, Mark Potter commented, “All of the team have colleagues, family and friends that have been impacted by mental health issues, and are extremely aware of these issues that are endured by the people we serve in our community, especially in these times. Mind in the Vale of Glamorgan provides a vital service, to people experiencing mental health issues, caring and supporting them with treatment and guidance enabling them to recover and achieve their goals and ambitions in life.”

The team will be continuing with their fundraising for the three chosen charities with community events where possible and are taking on the Welsh 3 peaks challenge in September.

For more information or to make a donation go to https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Team/BarryEmergencyPeakyClimbers