NWSSP colleagues undertake Snowdon challenge for Macmillan charity
At 02:00am on Sunday 6th September 2020 a team of our Health Courier Service, Supply Chain and Procurement staff conquered the Summit of Yr Wyddfa, Snowdon by night, as part of their ongoing efforts to fundraise on behalf of Macmillan Cymru.
Organised by Gildas Griffiths, Deputy Head of Supply Chain, Logistics and Transport at NWSSP , the group of 33 walkers gathered together to face Yr Wyddfa which is situated in the beautiful Snowdonia National Park and is Wales’ highest mountain, standing at 1085 meters high. Gildas said
“I organised this event following my Dad’s passing in April 2018 after a short illness, it was cancer. Macmillan provided Dad and my family with invaluable support and dignity. I’ve organised a number of similar challenges in the past including the Welsh Three Peaks on a number of occasions. Our Snowdon by Night challenge was very personal to me and a highlight of my fundraising efforts. I have been overwhelmed by the support we received from colleagues.
At a time where my team faced the most significant challenges in their careers by working tirelessly on the frontline of the NHS response to the Covid-19 outbreak since February, not only have our teams maintained their ‘normal’ working duties, they have operated under significant additional demand for service. The feedback from Health Boards, Welsh Government and our partners, has been immense.
The event was an opportunity for me to promote physical and emotional wellbeing, teambuilding, leadership and demonstrate how this can be achieved, regardless of the circumstances.
Our group faced some pretty intense weather conditions, the cold, the wind not to mention the darkness and the relentless rain which greeted us as we approached the slopes at Carnedd Ugain and Clogwyn Goch, the rain kept it’s company until we reached the Summit. We walked over 10 miles, took over 33,000 steps but achieved so much more as a team.
In addition to the fantastic determination of the group, I was proud to be accompanied by my son, Steffan Griffiths (14). As a Fire Cadet he has since been recognised for his efforts by his School, Ysgol Gyfun Bro Morgannwg and South Wales Fire & Rescue Service. His ‘Tadcu’ would be very proud of him, I know I am.
We have raised over £3500 so far and our efforts continue, we have already arranged a Charity Dinner in April 2021 and are discussing our next event”
Tony Chatfield, Head of Supply Chain, Logistics and Transport said:
“It was fantastic to again be part of something outside of the office environment, where the departments pull together in what was a challenging experience.
The teams are still going the extra marathon in relation to our operational response to Covid, and their determination shined through again on this tough challenge to raise money for an exceptional cause.
It's an achievement that has helped further strengthen that bond between us all, while promoting good exercise and hugely positive approach to wellbeing
If you haven't donated yet, please do as this is a beneficial cause and charities have had some difficult times with fundraising reduced through the pandemic”
The link to our Go Fund Me Page is here