Due to the impact of COVID-19, the Health Charity team had to think outside the box to come up with fundraising ideas to helps support our patients and staff during the pandemic. We found that when there’s a hill there’s a way, so we decided to hold our first Virtual Welsh Three Peaks Challenge in August 2020 and our participants all did fantastic!
Our Step into Summer challenge saw our amazing participants, from Wales to Germany to Australia virtually conquer the three highest peaks in North, Mid and South Wales. Our participants from across the globe tackled the distances to virtually climb the highest mountain in Wales, the iconic Snowdon, along with the formidable Cadair Idris and Pen Y Fan, a combined height of 2,334 metres (7,657feet)!
The Virtual Welsh Three Peaks included a total walking distance of 17 miles (27.4km) or 35,959 steps, which we challenged our hikers to walk, jog, hop or dance their way to the finish line to complete the feat over 7 days throughout August. All exercise was carried out adhering to the most up to date physical distancing guidelines set out by both Welsh Government and Public Health Wales.
Actions peak louder than words with all our participants completing the challenge, moving mountains to reach their goal! All our winning walkers will receive an appreciation certificate made specifically for this challenge which will be sent out in the post.
Last year’s 24 hour, Welsh Three Peaks Challenge raised a fantastic £6,308 for Our Orchard Appeal and helped enhance several other departments across Cardiff & Vale University Health Board. This year, over £2,200 was raised in support of the Prop Appeal, which supports rehabilitation services at Rookwood Hospital and patients who have serious and life changing disabilities relating to acquired brain injuries.
At times hike these, it is important to share the positive impact our hiking heroes have had helping us make things better for both patients and staff across Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan whilst also keeping us steep and cheerful. They have proven that when there’s a hill there’s a way whilst supporting their local NHS so thank you to all who took part!
If you so wish, you can help them raise even more by contributing to our campaign page; https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/stepintosummer. Also, keep an eye in the sky for our next fundraising event which will be floating towards us soon!