Ben Nevis Challenge 2014

I have been talked into taking part in this years Ben Nevis Challenge on Saturday 7th June. It is a team event and will be competing with Steve Cartlidge (my father in law), Gary Fear and Dave Perry.

This event involves climbing Ben Nevis (1343m which is a challenge in itself!!), 15mile bike ride to Loch Lochy, 3km canoe on Loch Lochy using rafted Canadian canoes then a 10mile bike ride to the finish.

Rather than fundraise for a national charity our team has decided to support local charities. I have decided to support the Vale Of Glamorgan Community First Responders.

This is a group of trained volunteers who attend medical emergencies in the area. This means that they are the first on the scene and can provide care until a Paramedic/Ambulance can arrive. All money raised will go towards buying life saving equipment, uniforms for the responders and meet any running costs incurred. The responders are all volunteers and are not paid for the service they provide.

The lead volunteer at the Llantwit Major & St Athan group told me that their group alone attended over 130 emergencies in 2013 from delivering children to administering life saving treatment. Personally, my daughter has also received treatment from the local team during bouts of severe croup where they were able to provide oxygen to help the breathing. The speedy treatment provided was extremely reassuring and helped to calm our daughter before being admitted to hospital.

All donations no matter how small are greatly appreciated.