Magor’s Peter Davis has raised more than £700 for a charity for bereaved British Armed Forces children, after taking part in a gruelling challenge usually only attempted as part of the SAS selection process.
Wales & West Utilities’ Peter joined up with team-mates from his Crossfit club to take part in the Fan Dance - a gruelling 24km non-navigational race over two sides of Pen Y Fan, the highest mountain in the Brecon Beacons – in a bid to raise money for Scotty’s Little Soldiers.
Motivated to take in the infamous route, which has long been a part of SAS (Special Air Service) and SBS (Special Boat Service) Selection, Peter completed the challenge in 5 hours 40 minutes, after tearing his calf muscle in the middle of the event.
Peter, 42, explains his motivations:
“Scotty’s Little Soldiers helps to support those children who have lost parents whilst in the forces and as a father, this is something that has touched my heart. I enjoy physical exercise and wanted to take on the winter Fan Dance challenge after competing in a summer event a while back so I thought this would be a perfect opportunity to raise money in the process.”
Peter raised £420 through his personal sponsorship efforts, whilst a £300 donation was also given by his employer, Wales & West Utilities, through its match-funding scheme which exists to support the charitable fundraising efforts of its colleagues.
Peter, who coaches at Celtic Crossfit in Newport, completed the challenge marching over three mountains whilst carrying a 40lb weighted Bergen backpack.
He said:
“I was absolutely gutted to tear my calf muscle during the challenge but knowing that I’d raised a significant amount of money for such a worthwhile charity kept me going. I am thrilled that my employer was able to support my efforts through the match-funding scheme as this will go a long way to further helping children who are in a vulnerable time in their lives.”
Wales & West Utilities People & Engagement Director, Sarah Hopkins, said:
“Our services play a key role in heating and powering homes and businesses, but we’re also committed to supporting the communities we serve in other ways. Fundraising and charitable giving is a key part of this of this.
“Peter’s effort in completing this challenge is fantastic and we are all very proud of him. We are delighted to support his fundraising efforts and we hope that the money will go a long way to further support young people who are suffering from the effects of bereavement.”
Wales & West Utilities, the gas emergency and pipeline service, brings energy to 7.5m people across the south west of England and Wales. If anyone smells gas, thinks they have a gas leak, or suspects carbon monoxide poisoning, they should call us on 0800 111 999 and our engineers will be there to help, day or night.
The company also has a multi-million pound, 30-year gas pipe investment programme which began in 2002. Old metal pipes within 30 metres of buildings are being upgraded with new long-lasting plastic pipes with a lifespan of more than 80 years, to make sure homes and businesses continue to receive a safe and reliable gas supply now and in the future.