CHINNOR RFC Thame have raised more than £2,400 for the Oxford Hospitals Charity by climbing the three highest peaks in Wales.

Eleven members of the Senior Squad, including players, coaches and backroom staff, pulled on their walking boots to scale Snowdon, Cadair Idris and Pen y Fan on Saturday.

Dan Biss, Max Brewer, Oscar Heath, Bertie Hopkin, Jack Johnson, Jon Lavin, Jake Lovelock, Matty Mountford, Daz Oliver, Caolan Ryan and Richard Thorpe took on the challenge, raising £2,475 so far.

A big thank you to everyone who has donated. No matter how big or small, the team are immensely appreciative of your support.

Special mentions must also go to Stewart Yates and Will Brewer who not only did all of the driving, but kept the team’s spirits and sugar levels up.

The Club wanted to give back to the community, specifically our key workers for all of their hard during the Coronavirus pandemic.

It was also an opportunity to remember Jacqui McGuicken and Lauren Cyster who were both cared for by the wonderful staff at Oxford University Hospitals.

At an elevation of 3,560ft, Snowdon is Wales’ tallest peak and it proved a challenging and often awkward climb. Unfortunately, it was a cloudy morning and the team were unable to enjoy the breath-taking views at the top, but everyone made it up safely and negotiated a slippy descent within three hours.

Standing at 2,930ft, Cadair Idris was next on the list and although a shorter walk, its steep, leg-burning climb made for the toughest challenge of the day. Everyone did brilliantly to make it up to the top and although the clouds descended, the views had been magnificent during the hike.

You would have noticed from the photos that a few of the team were missing from the last mountain, Pen y Fan. Due to an injury to one of the team, three members stayed behind to ensure he made it down the steep slopes of Cadair Idris safely. After a slow descent, they made it back to the car park, but realised they were too far behind to get across to the next mountain in time to keep up with the others.

The rest of the team took on the gradual constant climb of Pen y Fan, which stands at 2,907ft, to complete the challenge by torch light. A brilliant effort from all involved and a very rewarding experience for every member of the team.

Chinnor RFC Thame Director of Rugby, Richard Thorpe said: “Whilst our primary objective was to raise money for Oxford Hospitals Charity, we knew that underneath this came an incredible opportunity to challenge ourselves in a new environment and bond together with those who were with us. Nothing bonds a team together quite like shared challenge and adversity, and we surely had both in abundance! Matty Mountford, our Team Manager, together with Jack Johnson and Oscar Heath showed tremendous resolve aiding Jon Lavin down Cadair Idris safely. Jon unfortunately sustained a knee injury on his ascent, but showed true character by pulling himself to the summit. This ensured that the whole team would successfully submit two of the three mountains. Once there was confirmation that Jon would descend safely, the rest of the team moved on and reached the summit of Pen y Fan shortly after midnight, completing the challenge in 13hrs 14mins.”

You can still donate by clicking HERE.