A ‘BRAVE’ team from Whitchurch took on the formidable SAS Fan Dance march across Bannau Brycheiniog in Wales raising more than £500 for Hope House Children’s Hospices in Shropshire and North Wales.

The team of 10, who work together at Americold, part of AGRO Merchants on the Waymills Industrial Estate, conquered the gruelling 24km trek which is infamous within the ranks of all UK Special Forces, across the army, RAF and navy.

Staged over Pen y Fan the highest mountain in Bannau Brycheiniog the team, led by Steve O’Connor, followed the route which climbed the peak twice with an overall ascent of 1,300 metres.

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“The route is steep, over rough ground and has been used by the Special Forces since the 1950s as it is not only a physical test but also tests resilience and really breaches into the mental aspects of fitness,” said Steve.

“In all, we spent seven hours out on the hills, and luckily the weather was very kind to us. 

“For some, it was their first time out in the wild country away from civilisation. It was a tough day but it whetted the appetites of some for more wild challenges.

“Everyone settled into the march and looked after each other and after a quick stop at the halfway point we all turned around and headed back for our second ascent of Pen y fan.”

The challenge was completed in aid of both Hope House Children’s Hospices and Midlands Air Ambulance, with £1,000 raised in total.

Hope House fundraiser Catrin Dowdeswell thanked the workmates for putting themselves through the gruelling challenge to help raise money for them.

She said: “We are so very fortunate to have such amazing supporters who really put themselves out there for the sake of the children and families in our care.

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"This Fan Dance is another example of a group of individuals with huge hearts who wanted to do something memorable for our children’s hospices.

“We cannot thank Steve and the team for undertaking such a gruelling challenge.

“More than 80 per cent of our income comes from epic feats like these and on behalf of so many families across Shropshire, Cheshire, North and Mid Wales who regard Hope House and Ty Gobaith as a lifeline, we salute you.”