DE&S and SDA graduates and apprentices take on the Welsh Three Peaks Challenge for the Prince's Trust

DE&S and SDA apprentices and graduates hit the heights

Published 30th October 2018.

A team of DE&S and Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA) graduates and apprentices have returned triumphant having conquered the Welsh Three Peaks Challenge.

The 21-strong group headed off from MOD Abbey Wood at 1.30am on October 19, and reached the summit of the final mountain at 1.30am on Saturday – just 24 hours later.

The challenge saw the intrepid explorers successfully reach the summit of Snowdon, Cader Idris and Pen Y Fan – a total walking distance of 17 miles (27.4km) and an ascent of 2,334 metres (7,657ft).

The team took on the feat as part of the Prince’s Trust Million Makers challenge – an innovative entrepreneurial fundraising challenge aimed at helping them develop essential business skills for their domain – whether that be project professional, finance, engineering or commercial.

The competition challenges teams of employees across UK organisations competing to raise at least £10,000 or more over a period of six months. Collectively, teams are aiming to raise £1 million to transform the lives of disadvantaged young people around the country.

“I found completing the challenge very rewarding. I met some great people and it was a huge confidence boost.”

-Team member Ieuan Wilcox, an apprentice in finance.

Their efforts in Wales have seen Team DEStinct, as they have chosen to be known, raise more than £3,000 for the cause.

Team member Ieuan Wilcox, an apprentice in finance, said: “I found completing the challenge very rewarding. I met some great people and it was a huge confidence boost.

“It was incredibly cold at the top of Pen Y Fan and we had little or no sleep but we were determined to finish the challenge and showed the strength of mind and team spirit to get over the finish line.”

DE&S Graduate Liam Roche-Lamerton added: “Reaching the top of the final mountain – Pen Y Fan – was a huge relief and gave us all a real sense of achievement.

“I found it incredibly challenging to go without any hot food so for Bex, a member of the Prince Trust’s team, to deliver us a homemade chilli before the final peak was incredible. It gave the whole team a real boost.”

Team DEStinct have until December 31 to raise the £10,000 required.

You can still donate at www.justgiving.com/teamDEStinct