Soldiers and volunteers have embarked on a challenging initiative in Wales by walking up and down Pen y Fan 10 times within a 24-hour period. The purpose of this arduous challenge is to raise funds for charity and honour the memory of 15-year-old Megan Jones, who tragically lost her battle with leukaemia in February 2019.
The soldiers involved in the challenge belong to the 1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards, also known as the Welsh Cavalry, who engage in various fundraising events annually to support Dreams and Wishes, a charity dedicated to fulfilling the dreams and wishes of critically ill children and their families. This year, the squadron decided to conquer the Pen y Fan mountain in Powys, the highest peak in south Wales standing at 886m above sea level.
The challenge, named Ten Y Fan x 10, commenced on March 3 as the soldiers pushed their physical and mental limits throughout the evening, aiming to complete the challenge by March 4. The daunting task of climbing the peak 10 times is comparable to scaling Mount Everest, the tallest mountain globally at 8,848m. While the squadron has already achieved their initial fundraising goal, they are determined to raise even more funds for the charity.
Emma Tamplin, a volunteer with Dreams and Wishes, participated in the challenge in memory of her daughter, Megan Jones. Megan, a talented photographer and footballer from Neath, passed away in 2019 after battling leukaemia. Climbing Pen y Fan was one of Megan’s dreams following her cancer diagnosis, a dream that she fulfilled with the help of Dreams and Wishes. Emma commemorated her daughter during the challenge by leaving a bouquet of daffodils at the summit.
Major Jimmy Cowen, alongside his fellow soldiers and volunteers, expressed pride in supporting Dreams and Wishes once more during this St David’s Day challenge. This year’s challenge coincided with the anniversary of Megan’s passing, making the experience even more poignant for Emma and the participants. Emma described the day as special and emotional, remarking on the significance of remembering her daughter while undertaking the challenging feat.
The soldiers and volunteers involved in the initiative showcased their dedication, resilience, and compassion as they honoured Megan’s memory and raised funds for a charitable cause close to their hearts. The community rallied behind them, showing support and admiration for their commitment to making a positive impact through their challenging endeavour. The spirit of camaraderie and support highlighted in this initiative serves as an inspirational example of the power of collective effort and altruism.
As the soldiers continued their climb up and down Pen y Fan, they embodied the values of courage, determination, and kindness, leaving a lasting impact on all those who followed their journey. The legacy of Megan Jones lives on through the hearts and actions of those who participated in this remarkable challenge, embodying the spirit of hope, resilience, and charity in the face of adversity. Their collective efforts not only raised funds for a worthy cause but also served as a powerful tribute to a young life taken too soon.