WESTERN Power Distribution staff are going through their final fitness regimes in readiness for taking part the gruelling Three Peaks of Wales challenge next month.

The challenge the three WPD teams, two based at the company’s Lamby Road centre in Cardiff, and one in Bristol, are preparing to complete involves scaling three of Wales’ tallest peaks: Mount Snowdon at 3,560ft, Cadair Idris, (2,927ft) and Pen-y-fan, (2,907ft), all in a single day.

The event, which is sponsored by their employers WPD and staged in aid of Newport-based St David’s Hospice Care, covers a total of 32km on foot with a combined ascent of 2,864 metres.

The Three Peaks of Wales is staged this year on Saturday, June 25, with an eye-watering early start for the teams of 4am at the foot of Snowdon.

WPD team leader Geraint Davies, aged 26, said: “I took part in the event last year so I must be a real glutton for punishment as it is quite hard going. I am much fitter this time. I go to the gym every day before work and am in training for my first half marathon later this year.

“I have lost two stone in weight since last year. Our team completed the three peaks in eight hours, 26 minutes last year when we came in third so we’re hoping to beat that time in 2016 and get an improved placing as well.”

Sarah Feehan, a member of the second WPD team, said: “We’ve been supporting each other training for the event and will continue to support each other during the event. It’s a real challenge for a great cause so bring it on.

“We’ve chosen to support St David’s Hospice Care as it is such a brilliant charity, and as the hospice is based in Wales, we felt it was a great opportunity for us to help locally.”

Three Peaks of Wales event sponsor Paul Bishop, WPD’s corporate communications manager, said: “The excellent work of St David’s Hospice Care is very highly regarded and we are delighted to continue our association with the organisation by supporting the Three Peaks Challenge again this year and also by having three teams in the event.

“It’s a really worthwhile event which not only encourages people to enjoy the outdoors, but is brilliant for team building and great fun and all for such a great cause.”

Franca Nigro, of St David’s Hospice Care, said: “We’re thrilled that WPD not only sponsors the event but also has staff members prepared to take part in which is recognised as being quite a challenging event. I’m looking forward to seeing them all at the start and again at the finish.”

To enter a team please visit www.stdavidshospicecare.org or call Franca Nigro on 01633 851051.