PLACES are filling fast for the GE Aviation Wales Welsh Three Peaks challenge in aid of Ty Hafan.

Now in its 17th year, the event on Saturday, June 20, will see walkers scaling Snowdon – the highest peak in Wales – before tackling the mighty Cadair Idris and Pen-y-Fan, all within 15 hours.

More than 5,000 people have travelled from all over the world to take on the challenge which has raised an incredible £1,400,000 for Ty Hafan, the hospice for children in Wales.

A group of dads of some of the children and young people supported by Ty Hafan will be entering teams once again this year.

Andrew Evans from Cardiff took part last year, a few months before his two-year-old son, Oscar, sadly lost his battle with Menkes Disease.

He said: “We wore Ty Hafan t-shirts with pictures of our children on the front and when we reached the top of Pen-y-Fan, we placed their teddies and soft toys down as a tribute to them. It was an emotional and special moment for us all.”

Andrew, his partner, Jenn, along with their family friends have been fundraising tirelessly for Ty Hafan and have so far raised more than £10,000 for the charity.

“We are part of the Ty Hafan family now,” said Andrew.

“We will never forget what they have done for us and will continue to raise funds in Oscar’s memory so they can help more families like ours.”

GE Aviation Wales has supported the Welsh 3 Peaks event since it started in 1998.

The very first challenge was instigated by a group of GE Aviation Wales employees and a few members of the original team are still involved with the event.

Mike Patton, Managing Director of GE Aviation Wales, said: “We are incredibly proud to support the GE Aviation Wales Welsh Three Peaks challenge. Ty Hafan provides a vital service to the local community and the hospice supports hundreds of children and their families all year round.

“The challenge attracts people from all across Wales and beyond. The atmosphere on the day is fantastic, and it is great to see so many people coming together to raise money for such an important and worthwhile cause.”

To enter, each team of four plus a designated driver is asked to pay a £50 registration fee, plus £800 in sponsorship. Register online at www.welsh3peaks.co.uk or call 029 2053 2283 for more information.