LEADING insurance intermediary Castelan’s support will ensure the success of the gruelling Three Peaks of Wales charity challenge in 2017.

Furniture and electrical insurance intermediary Castelan has added its backing to the punishing event staged in aid of Gwent-based end of life charity St David’s Hospice Care.

The Three Peaks of Wales sees teams of walkers tackle the three tallest mountains in Wales: Snowdon, Cadair Idris and Pen y Fan. Walkers cover a total distance of 20 miles (32km distance) on foot and ascent of 9,393 ft (2, 863m ascent), all in 24 hours.

The Three Peaks of Wales is being staged on Saturday, June 24, 2017.

Castelan, a rapidly expanding £16m turnover insurance business which employs 230 people in the UK has its base just across the River Severn in Weston Super Mare.

Chief executive Martin Napper, who lives in Chepstow, said: “The Three Peaks of Wales is an excellent event for building company morale and for helping employees from different departments spend time together supporting a very worthwhile cause.

“The sense of achievement by employees is massive and just taking part gives each and every participant great satisfaction. Two years ago two of our teams came first and second which was greatly celebrated within the business. The members of those teams became ‘celebrities’ for months afterwards.

“I live in Wales and have directly experienced the excellent work that St. David’s Hospice Care carries out. A close friend of my wife sadly passed away last month from cancer. She was looked after in her final few weeks by nurses from St. David’s Hospice Care.

“Castelan has been taking part in the Three Peaks Challenge since 2013. We decided to directly sponsor the event this year to help increase our contribution.

“We haven’t yet finalised the number of teams for this year’s Challenge – it is likely to be at least three teams plus a number of employees who will only be walking Pen-y-Fan to help make the whole event a celebration. We will be bringing a number of our company vans to the final mountain to help publicise the business and St. David’s Hospice Care.”

Franca Nigro, of St David’s Hospice Care, said: “We’re thrilled that Castelan is not only sponsoring this event but also have staff members prepared to take part in what is recognised as being quite a challenging event. I’m really looking forward to seeing them all at the start and again celebrating at the finish.”

The Castelan Group is joined by Gwent brewers Tiny Rebel as sponsors of Three Peaks of Wales 2017.

To enter a team please visit www.stdavidshospicecare.org or call Franca Nigro on 01633 851051