A team of colleagues from Taylor Wimpey West Midlands has scaled some of the highest peaks in the Brecon Beacons as part of a gruelling charity trek.

The leading housebuilder invited staff from across the country to take part in the Brecon 10 Peaks Challenge, which sets walkers the target of climbing the Welsh national park’s 10 highest mountains – all within 10 hours.

And while thick fog and gusts of at least 40mph meant that some of the peaks were judged too dangerous to attempt, the group still managed to cover a distance of 26.6km and climb a total height of 1,480m.

John Symons, James Hughes, Jason Bennett, Matt Price, James Watton, David Ameghino, Helen Carter, Lloyd Green, Rob Dennant made up two of the 45 Taylor Wimpey teams who took part in the event, raising £3000 in sponsorship for the Youth Adventure Trust, which provides adventure camps and day activities for disadvantaged children. The overall event raised an estimated total of £126,000.

John, Managing Director for Taylor Wimpey West Midlands, says: “I decided to take part in the Brecon 10 Peaks Challenge because it is in aid of such a worthy cause. I prepared myself for the trek by doing three long walks – Malvern, Clee Hill and the Long Mynd – which totalled about 50 miles.

“It was a tough challenge but there was a fantastic team spirit on the day and we all helped each other to stay motivated right through to the final peak.”

The Youth Adventure Trust runs outdoor development courses for young people aged between 11 and 14 who come from difficult backgrounds.

The children are referred by schools, social services or other agencies and the trust aims to build their confidence and teach them team-working skills through activities including caving, canoeing, climbing and archery. The activities are completely free of charge to the young people who take part.

David Hempleman Adams, Founder President of the Youth Adventure Trust, says: “The Youth Adventure Trust’s camps and activities inspire and support vulnerable young people to learn valuable life-skills and build confidence and self-esteem which make a positive and measurable difference to their lives.

“We do not receive any support from statutory sources so are completely dependent on voluntary donations to carry out our important work. We are immensely grateful to Taylor Wimpey for sponsoring the Brecon 10 Peaks Challenge and to all of its employees for their dedication to training and fundraising which has resulted in a massive £126,000 being raised for our work.

“They can be very proud of this achievement which will give many young people the chance to take part in our programme, fulfil their potential and lead positive lives in the future.”

To find out more about the work of the Youth Adventure Trust, visit www.youthadventuretrust.org.uk.

Taylor Wimpey is currently building new homes developments across the West Midlands. For further information on Taylor Wimpey visit www.taylorwimpey.co.uk.