Staff from Bristol City Football Club will be climbing Pen Y Fan to raise money for Children’s Hospice South West.
Head coach of the football club Liam Manning and a team of his backroom staff will be taking part in the “10 Y Fan” challenge, which sees participants climb up and down Pen Y Fan up to 10 times in a 24-hour period.
Standing at 2,907 ft Pen Y Fan is the highest peak in South Wales, and at 6pm May 11th, 10 City members of staff will start the 24-hour challenge.
Proceeds from the fundraising challenge will be donated to CHSW’s Charlton Farm, located in Wraxall, North Somerset, which provides high-level care, clinical expertise and enrichment opportunities for children and young people with life-limiting conditions and their families.
CHSW is the only children’s hospice in the South West and runs three hospices across the area; Charlton Farm, Little Bridge House in Barnstaple and Little Harbour in St Austell.
The hospice’s aim to deliver a range of service for the children in their care including short breaks, specialist play, music therapy, activities for siblings, palliative and emergency care, end of life care, bereavement support and specialist medical care.
These services are offered to children and their families 24 hours a day, 365 days a year completely for free.
It costs around £11 million to run the three hospice sites each year and the charity relies on donations like the money that will be donated by the football club and their hiking team.
The team will be joined by Bristol actor and Radio Bristol breakfast show presenter Joe Sims.
Head Coach Liam said: “After visiting Charlton Farm in December as part of our Christmas visit, so many of the staff and players were touched by what a special place Charlton Farm is.
“We knew immediately we wanted to do something to help, and the 10 y Fan challenge is just one small way we can raise funds and raise awareness for the charity.”
“I know it’s going to be a tough challenge.
“And I am wondering which one I am going to eat first if it all goes wrong.
“Seriously though, knowing that every step we take for such an incredible charity will be motivation enough to keep us all focused.”
The challenge follows a visit to Charlton Farm this month by the squad who handed out signed shirts and Bristol City Football Club goodies before enjoying a kick about on the lawn with children and families.
CHSW Area Fundraiser for Bristol, Amanda Leonard, said: “We truly value the teams continued support in so many ways and to be their chosen charity as they embark on the gruelling 10 y Fan challenge next month to raise much needed funds for our care is just another illustration of our wonderful partnership.”
“It was incredible to see so many Bristol City FC players and staff members take time out of their schedules to visit us at Charlton Farm and help to create special memories, it really did make the children’s day.
“I’m sure the team enjoyed meeting our families and to have a kick about on the lawn when the sun came out was the icing on the cake."
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