‘Never say never’

Colleagues in north Wales have completed the Three Peaks Challenge for the 10th consecutive year, raising an astonishing £32,000 for local charities.

Although the team has changed throughout the years, mountain man and postman, Steve Jones has incredibly, completed all 10.

Steve, who has been with Royal Mail for 24 years, said: ‘I first thought about doing the Three Peaks Challenge because as an office, we hadn't done a huge amount for charity. The Three Peaks came to mind as quite a few of us in the office walk the mountains. When we asked around, we got a really positive response so I had a chat with management about setting it up and they were really helpful. And so it began!

‘Tony Phelan, Gwynfor Jones and Carl Blackam have all been fantastic in helping make this challenge happen every year, from sorting out the mini buses as well as time off for those taking part every year.

‘We have done this challenge for various charities but mostly for Ty Gobaith Children's Hospice. But we've also donated to Blind Veterans UK, North Wales Air Ambulance, and the cancer ward at Bangor Hospital. In total, we've raised more than £30,000 for these charities over 10 years, amazing really.’

Luckily for Steve, mountain biking and walking the mountains are his hobbies. ‘I live in Llanfairfechan in north Wales, right below the Carneddau mountain range and that's where you’ll find me every weekend,’ he said.

Steve can also be found walking and mountain biking in the Lake District. In fact, three years ago, he and his wife completed a nine-year journey by climbing all 214 mountains in the area, known as ‘The Wainwrights.’

‘One person who deserves a huge thank you is Beverly Williams as she has helped so much, booking the overnight stays and sorting out all the paperwork with the various charities so that we can just concentrate on training,’ said Steve. ‘Her help has been invaluable.

‘I feel humbled to have helped raise so much money, but it really has been a team effort. The team has changed every year so a lot of postmen and women have played their part. I'm pretty sure that’s my last one. Being on Scafell Pike at 1.30 in the morning when it's dark, misty and horrible pretty much made my mind up! But you should never say never!’

Bangor cover manager Beverley Williams, who has coordinated the fundraising and logistics for the challenge over the years, and whose husband took part in three of the walks, said: ‘Steve is an inspiration to us all at the Bangor office. What an achievement to have climbed the three tallest peaks in Britain not only once, but 10 times on the trot!

‘We’re all really proud of Steve and everyone who has ever been involved in the Three Peaks Challenge in the Bangor and Llangefni delivery offices.’