Leader limbers up for Three Peaks Challenge

CARMARTHENSHIRE’S Leader has been in training for the Three Peaks Challenge he is taking on next week.

Cllr Emlyn Dole has been exercising through walking and visiting the gym, including testing out new equipment in Carmarthen Leisure Centre.

He has chosen to take on the Three Peaks Challenge – Snowdon in North Wales, Cadair Idris in Mid Wales and Pen y Fan in South Wales – to raise cash for local charities.

On Sunday, May 29, Cllr Dole will begin his challenge by climbing Snowdon at 1085metres the highest mountain in Wales, a walk of around 10km.

Next Wednesday, June 1, Cllr Dole will climb Cadair Idris, a four to five kilometre walk, and a height of 893m.

The last peak – Pen y Fan in the Brecon Beacons National Park – will be tackled on Friday, June 3, a five to nine kilometre walk and a height of 886m.

Cllr Dole said he was inspired to take on the personal challenge after hearing about the achievements of the Duke of Edinburgh award winners.

The scheme, now in its 60^th year, has set up the Diamond Challenge to mark the anniversary.

Cllr Dole said: “I have been in training and I think, I hope, I’m fit enough to take on the challenge!

“I am actually looking forward to it, I would imagine the view from the top of Snowdon must be amazing, particularly if the weather is kind.

“I am doing this for myself, to set myself a goal and a challenge I never thought I would do, and also to raise money for charities which are close to my heart.”

The charities Cllr Dole is supporting are the Cronfa Eluned Mair Daniel Trust, set up by Eluned’s family after she suffered brain damage following a heart attack at the age of 21; and the Upper Gwendraeth Sports and Community Association.