A PENARTH fitness expert is putting a team of charity fundraisers through their paces before they embark on the Three Peak challenge.

Staff at Tenovus, Wales’ leading cancer charity, have signed up to scale the three highest peaks in the UK across 24 hours to raise money to support more cancer patients in communities across Wales.

The two teams, made up of the charity’s cancer support team; benefits advisors, nurses and head office staff, will be taking on the challenge in July, but their training has already begun with walks up Pen Y Fan and training tips from fitness professionals, including Penarth-based fitness instructor John Bruno.

John Bruno Total Training, based on Glebe Street, has been helping the Tenovus staff get in shape for the challenge.

“So far the team have done an introductory course in Nordic Walking. You use more muscles in Nordic Walking, so now that four limbs are working and not just two, it will make the challenge easier for them to conquer,” he said.

“I’ve set them specific walking goals now to build up their fitness levels because preparation is so important in this type of endurance event.

“Once you’re equipped with the fitness techniques, it’s all about enjoying the challenge to keep your motivation levels up.

“It will be tough, but I’m confident they will do it.”

Tenovus Chief Executive Claudia McVie is among those taking on the demanding challenge. She said: “It’s really exciting to be part of a motivated group of people here at Tenovus that not only work hard to support people every day, but go the extra mile, challenging themselves to help raise money.

“The rivalry between our two teams is already growing - I don’t think there’s anything wrong with a bit of friendly competition to keep us all motivated.”

She added: “The thing that will really help us get through the challenge will be thinking of the cancer patients we meet and support across Wales every day, and knowing our efforts will help us continue to support them when they need it most.”

Vista Retail Support are sponsoring the challenge and are also entering two teams of their own.

Vista Retail Support Director Richard Cottrell said: “We’re really pleased to be working with Tenovus. The National Three Peaks challenge is a great event, and one that we’re proud to be supporting as well as taking part in. We’re looking forward to seeing the other teams on the Peaks!”

“We wish everyone joining Team Tenovus this year the best of luck, and hope we’re able to raise vital funds to continue supporting cancer patients and their families in Wales, closer to their homes.”

Registration for the Tenovus National 3 Peaks is open. To enter yourself or a team, visit tenovus.org.uk or call 029 2076 8860 and speak to their fundraising team.