On Friday 9th June 2017 an intrepid team of four people from the Cardiff branch of Now Careers took on an epic 80k Source to Sea Challenge to raise money for Ty Hafan, a charity that cares for life-limited children in Wales to enhance the time families have together.
With expert help and guidance from the Adventure Activity Team based at Parc Bryn Bach, the Now Nomads team of Sarah, Richard, Ceri and Alex embarked on a gruelling 80k journey that took them from the Brecon Beacons to Cardiff Bay in 11 hours and 35 minutes, enabling them to exceed their £2,500 fundraising target.
The Source to Sea challenge began with a rain soaked climb to the summit of Pen Y Fan in the Brecon Beacons, (the highest peak in South Wales at 886 metres above sea level), after pausing briefly to take a team photo, the Now Nomads began their descent to the banks of Pentwyn Reservoir, where they took to the water to cross Pentwyn and Pontsticill Reservoirs in canoes.
Once the team were back on dry land they switched to mountain bikes to cycle along the Taff Trail to the outskirts of Cardiff, where they embarked on a 5k run to the Principality Stadium. The final leg of the challenge saw the Now Nomads using stand up paddle boards to navigate the River Taff and cross Cardiff Bay to reach the finish line at Cardiff White Water Centre.
To prepare for their epic challenge, the Now Nomads team trained diligently for almost four months prior to the event, and spent a full day with expert instructors from the Parc Bryn Bach Adventure Team to familiarise themselves with the transport methods they would be using on the various stages of their challenge.
Sarah Jones, Director of Now Careers said of the challenge; "The charity challenge that the team from Now Careers did on Friday was really tough! We decided to embark on a challenge that would be a real team experience but also something that would raise money for a very worthwhile cause, Ty Hafan.
Fitting training around full-time work, running a home and organising family/children was demanding but it definitely paid off. The guys from Parc Bryn Bach gave loads of tips and training on how best to prepare.
The actual day was great fun, even through the rain and the wind! All of us had lows at different times during the day but we got each other through it. By the last couple of parts of the challenge I was feeling exhausted but with the support and encouragement of the team and the leaders, I got there! Although I won’t be booking another challenge this year I’d definitely consider something in 2018."
Ceri Leath, Director of Now Careers added; "After signing up for the charity challenge, organised by Parc Bryn Bach the nerves set in. After months of training for the event and preparing as much as we possibly could for the challenge ahead, the team and I were excited yet extremely nervous.
The day itself was organised fantastically, each step of the way the instructors were with us, spurring us on with words of encouragement and tips to ensure we all got through the series of events. For me, the greatest challenge was after the 30-mile bike ride, the run, which I never thought I would make. My legs were so heavy, tired and aching and at this stage, I could’ve given up, if it weren’t for Nigel, one of the instructors by our side!
On the final stage of the challenge (SUP) to see family and friends at the finish line, waiting and cheering us on was so emotional. I felt completely exhausted but at the same time so ecstatic that we had all completed it for such an amazing cause (Ty Hafan). It is something I will never forget and I’m sure as an office we will talk about for years to come! Fantastic day, highly recommend it… looking forward to planning the next one."
Jon Kivell, Manager at Parc Bryn Bach and part of the instructor team that accompanied the Now Nomads on their challenge said; “The Now Nomads team did incredibly well; not only did this challenge test their endurance and physical limits, it also tested their determination and ability to work as a team, but despite the hardships and at times adverse weather, they pulled together as a team and completed the challenge in a great time.
Throughout their training and the challenge day, the commitment and determination of the Now Nomads has been really inspiring to see, we’re very proud of what they have achieved and are grateful for the opportunity to get involved and help them with this fundraising challenge.”
If you and your colleagues or friends are interested in taking on a similar challenge or would like information on our range of Team Building activities please visit our website at www.parcbrynbach.co.uk or contact us on 01495 355920. 
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