The first organisation we met today was Wales Air Ambulance http://www.walesairambulance.com/
Wales Air Ambulance is an all Wales charity providing emergency air cover for those who face life-threatening illness or injuries.
Their mission is to aid the relief of sickness and injury, and the protection of human life, by the provision of an air ambulance service across Wales.
Their vision is to provide a 24-hour air ambulance operation, and continually strive for an outstanding air ambulance service available to everyone in Wales.
With Helen from Wales Air Ambulance, together with BRIT Mentors, Sally Kettle and Oli Dudley
It was also a pleasure to meet Brecon Mountain Rescue http://www.breconmrt.co.uk/
Brecon Mountain Rescue Team is an emergency service staffed entirely by volunteers and funded by donation.
Their work is not restricted to mountain and wilderness search and rescue for climbers and hill walkers: their skills are also deployed by the police to search for vulnerable or missing persons in the community where they can employ their specialist medical and rescue techniques.
With members of Brecon Mountain Rescue Team
Members of Brecon Mountain Rescue Team volunteered to look after our Young Dragons team today and it was a delight to spend time together; I was particularly grateful when they took the time to show members of the Young Dragons and students their vehicles and equipment. They are looking after us for the next few days and both the BRIT Team and I, are sincerely grateful for all their support.
The WAAT4 Challenge http://www.waat4.co.uk/ is coordinated by Dyfed Powys Police http://www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/
Since arriving yesterday afternoon, the hospitality we have been shown has been both very warm and far too generous. We have been accommodated in The Castle Hotel http://www.breconcastle.co.uk/who have reduced their room rates considerably for the duration of our stay.
Gary, the WAAT4 Coordinator, the WAAT4 Organising Committee and Dyfed Powys Police could not have been more kind and helpful since our arrival.
My core BRIT Team and Gary Philpott, the WAAT4 Coordinator
I was delighted that we were joined by Police Cadets from Gwent this morning and it was great to talk to the cadets and learn more about their work and their future aspirations.
Soaked through, but very happy to have spent the morning with Police Cadets based in Gwent and within members of Dyfed-Powys Police
We met this morning at Brecon Rugby Club http://www.breconrfc.co.uk/ who have been instrumental to hosting the WAAT4 Challenge on their grounds.
It was a super start to the day to meet so many Young Dragons from their respective youth organisations, together with so many students.
With Young Dragons and students from Pontarddulais Comprehensive School and Dylan Thomas School
Many thanks to Pontarddulais Comprehensive School http://www.pontcomp.swansea.sch.uk/ and Dylan Thomas Community School https://swansea-edunet.gov.uk/en/schools/dylanthomas/Pages/Default.aspx who joined us today and were great company.
With some of the Army Cadets and students who joined us today
Today was wet, but a thoroughly enjoyable day throughout. We had a great time and I am grateful to everyone who supported me .
Receiving a plaque (& super support) from Christ College, Brecon
Feeling the inclines on Day 1 of my WAAT4 Challenge, but at the same time, receiving super support throughout from South Wales Police
I am so grateful to everyone for their support today. A tough first day and I'm a little sore, but it was well worth every step to meet so many Young Dragons and young people from Wales. One of my good friends and BRIT Mentors, Oli Dudley, grabbed me for a quick interview straight after finishing today's stage;
(Hoping to upload the video as soon as possible)
Today we completed 14 kilometres of our 40 kilometre total. An 8 mile route today was a marathon equivalent and I am very happy with how we did; particularly with such arduous terrain. It was a great achievement for everyone who took part.
Thank you all so much for your support.
Best wishes,
Phil