What a great start to Day 2 of our Young Dragons WAAT4 Challenge with a reception from Pontarddulais Comprehensive, Dylan Thomas School, Llanelli Young Fire Fighters and Brecon Mountain Rescue
Young People from Pontarddulais Comprehensive, Dylan Thomas School, Llanelli Young Fire Fighters and Brecon Mountain Rescue
Day 2 of our climb started with a sharp descent and then a long ascent up towards the summit of
Pen y Fan. The Young Dragons were a tremendous support; both encouraging and patient as I found a rhythm to climb the mountain.
Army Cadets from HRH The Prince of Wales' Young Dragons Partnership who kept me company on the climb up to the summit of Pen y Fan
A quick group photo with Llanelli Young Fire Fighters and Army Cadets before we started our climb
Pen y Fan is situated in the stunning Brecon Beacons within the Brecon Beacons National Park http://www.breconbeacons.org/ It was a fitting that we met a Helen, a member of the National Trust, who was spending the summer working on the walking path leading up to the summit of Pen y Fan.
Stopping to talk to Helen from The National Trust who was working on looking after the walking path leading up to the summit of Pen y Fan
It was great fun to talk to the students who joined me today and had travelled all the way from Swansea. The young students were from Year 10 and talked about their subject choices and their future career aspirations.
Enjoying the company of young people from Pontarddulais Comprehensive and Dylan Thomas School as we walked up towards the summit
As we approached the summit of Pen y Fan the weather closed in and visibility was limited. Throughout the day we were supported and looked after by Brecon Mountain Rescue Team who not only ensured our safety, but spent a great deal of time talking to the Young Dragons.
Spending time with members of the Brecon Mountain Rescue Team who have been with us all the way throughout these past two days. It has been a pleasure to meet them all.
When the whole team, comprising of Young Dragons, Dyfed-Powys Police, Brecon Mountain Rescue and BRIT Mentors, reached the summit, we decided to make a "Y" (with our arms) for the Young Dragons Partnership
Reaching the summit of Pen y Fan on Day 2 of our WAAT4 Challenge
With Lieutenant Colonel John Maddison MBE, BRIT Mentor, Sally Kettle, Carmen and BRIT Mentor, Oli Dudley, on the summit of Pen y Fan
The descent of Pen y Fan was steep and my balance was severely affected by fatigue and the limitations of my mobility. John, Oli & Sally were there to assist me every step of the way to look after me and lend a helping hand when I needed them. The last thing I wanted to do was fall and injury myself with another day of the WAAT4 Challenge tomorrow.
John and Sally helping me with my balance
Oli giving me his arm to assist me as we negotiated the steep descent and uneven ground
We had some great fun today and were surrounded by Young Dragons and students who raised everyone's moral with their positive attitudes and sense of humour. We even took time to have some fun.
With Oli, Carmen and Sally part way through our descent.
Relaxing with students who joined us today and made Day 2 of our WAAT4 Challenge an unforgettable experience.
Thanks to the Llanelli Young Fire Fighters who joined us today; great to meet them and I wish them the very best of luck with their aspirations to serve with Fire & Rescue
The support I have received over the past few days has been so uplifting. Everyone involved has given me such a boost and it's a delight to see everyone working so well together and looking after each other.
With Brecon Mountain Rescue and students from Pontarddulais Comprehensive & Dylan Thomas School
With Young Dragons and Students at the end of Day 2 of the WAAT4 Challenge
Today was another unforgettable experience and I feel privileged to have been supported by so many students and Voluntary Youth Organisations. Dyfed Powys Police and Brecon Mountain Rescue have been marvellous and I am sincerely grateful to everyone who has made this challenge possible.
I'm looking forward to our final day tomorrow when we will meet the competitors of the WAAT4 Challenge and celebrate a fantastic event that is a vital fundraiser for Wales Air Ambulance, Brecon Mountain Rescue and many other charities that need our support.
With best wishes,
Phil
