7th Of July by Sam Torr

A team of 10 P&A Group employees tackled the Three Peaks Challenge on June 30th and July 1st to raise money for DementiaUK, the company’s chosen charity of the year.

The team made up of employees from each division of P&A Group, travelled from its distribution centre in Saltney, North Wales, to Ben Nevis in Scotland on Friday 30th June travelling onto to Scafell Pike in the Lake District before completing the challenge at Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) on Saturday 1st July.

The fearless 10 planned to hike a distance of approximately 23 miles with a total ascent of 3,064 metres and have so far raised over £7,000 in sponsorship for DementiaUK, with sponsorship money still coming in since their return.

In just over 27 hours, 6 members completed the arduous challenge with others postponing completing the final ascent of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) until the following weekend. This was due to adverse weather and injury.

Commenting after the challenge, Louis Artess, P&A Group People Services Advisor said:

“What an incredible experience to take part in and one that I will remember for a long time to come. When the going got tough through dismal weather, fatigue or self-doubt we pressed on, keeping in mind that our trials on the mountains were minor and transient in comparison to some of the difficulties faced by people living with Dementia and their families. Personally, I found aspects of the climbs quite frightening but it was the support and kindness of my colleagues that allowed me to continue. I am very pleased and proud to be part of an organisation with so many amazing colleagues.”

Dementia UK has specialist dementia nurses – known as Admiral Nurses - who provide support and develop life-changing care for families affected by all forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease.

Admiral Nurses help families manage complex needs – considering the person living with dementia and the people around them – and they can advise other healthcare professionals. They also help people living with dementia to stay independent for longer, and support the people caring for them so they have the strength to cope with the bad days, and the energy to enjoy the good days.

Iwan Gwyn, Woodworks Garden Centre Manager, an experienced hiker commented:

“Given the travel issues and very poor weather it was an extraordinary achievement by all involved. The decent from Ben Nevis in darkness was an experience I will never forget but all 10 arrived safely at the bottom before the weather improved for Scafell Pike and Yr Wyddfa, even though they were challenging in themselves with the sleep deprivation and steep climbs. A thoroughly enjoyable experience which I aim to do again soon! A great team effort which has raised a huge amount for DementiaUK, although most of the team felt pain like they have never experienced before!”

The brave 10 participants were, Iwan Gwyn, Andrew Baker, Thomas Jones, Louise Artess, Jamie Hulse, Mark Stewart, Steve Gibson, Gavin Prior, Ben Morgan and Reza Yaghoubi. They were supported by Fiona Black. Cristina Franco and Daniel Carrington drove the minibus so the walkers could rest between each mountain.

Over the last 12 years, employees of the P&A Group have raised almost £145,000 for a variety of charities including Macmillan Cancer Support, Hope House and Tŷ Gobaith Children’s Hospices, Cancer Research UK, Action for Children, Alzheimer’s Society, Alder Hey Children’s Hospital and Meningitis Now.

The P&A Group comprises Zest, a leading supplier of award winning timber garden products, The Woodworks Garden Centre and Café in Mold, P&A Pallets & Packing Cases and St Andrews Business Centre for leased and virtual offices.

Anyone wishing to sponsor the team and donate to Dementia UK, can do so here.