UPDATE

A huge thankyou to all those who donated.

I can happily report that I completed 15 peaks in 15Hr13 min. Some photos will follow.

On a serious note I may have lacked the resolve to complete this challenge on the day were it not for all your combined generosity which has been truly overwhelming.  

I’m much more impressed by what you lot have achieved than I am of myself, so thank you all.

Coincidentally we have raised £1085 and Snowdon's peak sits elevated at 1085m above sea level. As much it it would be shame to disturb this ying/yang harmony, any further donations are welcome.

THANKS - John Christmas.

The Challenge

...Supported by ORCHID ORTHOPEDIC SOLUTIONS

The 15 highest peaks in Wales are all over 3000ft and just happen to be in close enough proximity to make a single crossing in 1 day. This challenge is often underestimated – I’m told you need to be very fit to walk it in 24 hours. As I like doughnuts and Quality Street (instead of lettuce) this could be interesting.

•    32 miles of walk, run, hike & climb with 4155m (13,632 ft.) of assent - rougly equivalent to Mont Blanc
•    Perilous knife edge ridges to test the stomach - which I’ll have to climb in the dark
•    Widely known as Britain’s ultimate walking challenge - makes 3 peaks look easy!

Why I am attempting the Welsh 3000s

Our Identical twin daughters turned 2 in May. Jessica likes dancing and Victoria likes to “save” the TV remote in interesting places. They are ordinary, healthy, happy girls. How drab and bleak our lives would now be if not for the skill and expertise of the Neo Natal Intensive Care Unit at Doncaster Hospital.

Our girls were born with a previously undetected condition called ‘Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome’. Blood had been passing through Victoria and then onto Jessica (after being depleted of nutrition and oxygen first). We feared the worst when we were told they had a 30% chance of survival and - to cut a long story short - we are eternally grateful to the Neo Natal Unit. The team worked with Sheffield to provide round the clock care & performed invasive procedures akin to miracles. Over several weeks the girls improved. 

 
During this time we became accustomed to wires, tubes, bleeps and alarms; but we were most disconcerted to see staff stretched by equipment and resource limitations. So it goes... I pledged to do my bit.

Last year, charitable donations helped purchase an Optiflow System for £2500, which helps premature and young babies to breathe. The department is well on the way to funding additional equipment which will make a real difference to many young lives.

Please give all you can, Thanks John

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IMPORTANT:  Quote fund 2256 to make it easier to ensure your donation is correctly processed by the trust and goes to neo natal fund... but dont worry if you forgot, I'll make sure it gets there still