The initiative was led by Stephanie Coxon, Operations Director for the South West, and brought together individuals from two Cygnet services in Wales – Ty Alarch and St Teilo House – together with the team from Cygnet Brunel in Bristol.
The trek was inspired by a conversation between Stephanie and Carson, a resident at Ty Alarch, a six-bed community rehabilitation service near Merthyr Tydfil.
“They shared their goal of walking Pen y Fan but said they had attempted it once before and didn’t make it,” Stephanie explained. “So we set a new goal, to walk it together – no time pressure, just to complete it, step by step.”
Carson explained: “I talked to the staff at Ty Alarch about my fitness and physical health because I felt at rock bottom and wanted to get into a better routine.
“We talked about the things that I enjoy the most and what challenges I wanted to set myself over the next six months. I mentioned to staff and Steph about how I would like to climb Pen y Fan for charity.
“It was brutal due to the heat and physically it hit me hard but once we reached the top I was overcome with happiness. I wanted to give up a number of times but I am so glad that Steph kept encouraging me to continue.
“I am so proud of us as a team, everyone was amazing and really gave it their all.”
The participants took on the challenge not only for personal achievement but to raise awareness and funds for The Trussell Trust, a UK charity that supports a nationwide network of food banks and campaigns to end the need for food banks in the UK.
The charity provides emergency food and practical support to people in crisis, while also working to tackle the root causes of poverty and hunger.
“I love that not only did staff and service users from Ty Alarch take part, but also those from St Teilo and Brunel. It’s testament to how supportive the South West team is,” said Stephanie. “This is what our culture is all about, achieving goals together, knowing you’re not alone, and showing that everyone matters.”
The trek was a resounding success, with 12 staff and three service users making it to the summit of the Brecon Beacons mountain, which has a peak of 886 metres.
“Everybody smashed it,” Stephanie said. “They dug deep, supported one another through the highs and lows, and we got all our service users up and down the mountain safely. Today, there were no labels, just mountain climbers. We were all equals.
“The event was both a physical challenge and a powerful example of Cygnet’s commitment to recovery-focused care and community spirit.”
Reflecting on the day, Stephanie added: “I may be biased, but I have incredible teams in the South West. Carson absolutely nailed it and I was so proud. We’ve got a photo of them at the summit to print and display which will be a lasting reminder that if you put your mind to something, you can achieve it.”
To donate to the cause, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/cygnetsouthwest