Lampeter Leisure Centre staff took on a Cambrian Mountains three peaks challenge, in aid of Children in Need, last Friday.

Seven members of staff from Lampeter Leisure Centre decided to take on the challenge, led by project manager for?Dyfodol?Cambrian Futures, Dafydd Wyn Morgan.

The team had a total of eight hours and 33 minutes of sunlight to complete the challenge in, climbing Mynydd Mallaen for sunrise, followed by Drygarn Fawr, and finally Pumlumon Fawr for sunset.

While they have not launched a fundraising page, the seven team members are all donating a £20 admission fee and a donation box will be in Lampeter Leisure Centre until the end of November.

Arwel Jones, a member of staff at the leisure centre, has been organising the challenge.

“As Lampeter Leisure Centre, Every year we try support and do something for Children in Need, Comic Relief, and Sport Relief,” Arwel said.

“We do something energetic, from a 24-hour spinathon to swimming the length of the channel in the pool. So due to Covid-19, we decided to do something outdoors.

“It’s something do for the community, for charity, as well as being a team bonding activity.

“It went very well, but the weather wasn’t as nice as we hoped. Everybody completed the challenge, it was a bigger test than some expected.

“It was nice, we didn’t see any sunrises and sunsets because the weather was too cloudy.

“I’ve spoken to a few people since the challenge, and everybody feels surprisingly good. People were worried they would struggle over the weekend, but we were buzzing about it. It was a great challenge and it should be something more people do. It’s on our doorstep in Ceredigion.

“Dafydd was excellent, he knew the routes, he was very supportive of everyone. When we came to an awkward or difficult area he was very supportive, an excellent leader.

“We want to say thank you to everybody for their support.”

Dafydd said: “When you do something like this, it’s about teamwork – everybody looking out for each other and staying close as possible because the terrain can be unforgiving most of the time. It was gloomy and misty, so having my valuable skills as a map and compass was essential.

“I did it three weeks ago and I’m not aware of anybody else who has done this combination of mountains before, for me it’s convenient and local. The experiences at the three different peaks are unique.

“The sensation of being on a mountain as the day is ending is incredible. For me it feels like getting exam results that have gone your way.

“I’ve done the Wales three peaks, I’ve done the UK three peaks, and those are done in 24 hours with a lot of travelling in between. So to do something more local is far more appealing for many of us.

“I remember Children in Need starting all those years ago, and sitting in a bath filled with beans to raise money. But now I’ll be on top of mountains, which is much more my passion.”