Recruitment
The Welsh 3000s team from STR Group.
Published: June 20, 2024 | Updated: 20th June 2024
Portsmouth recruiters STR Group took on the Welsh 3000s Challenge last weekend in support of local charity partner, Motiv8.
The gruelling challenge involves climbing all mountains in Wales that exceed a height of 3,000 ft within a 24-hour period.
It covers three mountain ranges in the Snowdon region – Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon Massif), the Glyderau and the Carneddau. That’s 15 peaks, or a climb of more than 2,500 metres.
The idea was put forward by STR’s very own mountain man, James Gigg, who’s conquered several of the mountains over the last few years.
After careful consideration, founder and executive director Clive Hutchings agreed that the Welsh 3000s would be the company’s next fundraising activity for Motiv8, a youth charity working across Portsmouth, Fareham, Havant and Gosport.
Alongside Clive and James, team members Joe Page, James Rolfe and Emma Rees, alongside driver Jeremy Ross-Clyne, underwent a tough and comprehensive training schedule to ensure they tackled the challenge as safely as possible.
So, how did they do?
“This was initially a friendly competition against my brother,” said Joe Page, recruitment consultant.
“But it culminated in a huge achievement for me and has really helped my mental health in a positive way. It’s been highly motivating and now I feel refreshed.
“I learned that I have a lot of grit and more endurance than I thought.”
Clive added: “The challenge of reaching the highest 15 peaks in one day in Wales, team building, and raising money for Motiv8 were huge motivators for me to take on this challenge.
“Through unexpected circumstances, I wasn’t able to train as much as I would have liked.
“I was actually intending to be the driver, but at the last minute our IT manager offered, giving me the opportunity to have a go at the challenge.
“The best thing was how we all supported each other, with other climbers also providing support.
“In this situation you’re all looking out for each other – it’s emotional.”
Senior recruitment consultant James has previously completed both the 3 Peaks Challenge and Snowdon 6s, so was well aware of the difficulties the team would face.
“At one point, we were lost with cold 45mph winds in the pitch black and no idea how we were getting back down.
“It’s easily the hardest thing I’ve ever done!”
But they did make it back, with James and Joe successfully completing the whole challenge.
Having returned home, James received a message from the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth, Cllr Jason Fazackarley. The two had met at a recent beach clean organised by Motiv8 and STR.
“Firstly, congratulations to you on a great achievement – both in terms of your determination and personal endurance in completing what was a very challenging undertaking as well as for the money that you were able to raise”, said the mayor.
“Portsmouth is fortunate to have someone of your calibre amongst its citizens and my personal thanks for all that you do to assist Motiv8 and the clients it seeks to assist.”
Through online and offline donations, STR has so far raised £3,950 for Motiv8, smashing their original target.
There’s still time to donate – visit the team’s Just Giving page.
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