Ten Y Fan: Welsh business leaders tackle Everest-height mountain challenge

Daniel Bevan - Editor

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Many of us have enjoyed a hike up South Wales’ tallest mountain, but very few have reached the summit ten times in 24 hours.

But that’s exactly what Nick Payne, Managing Director of Brains, and Gareth Howells, CEO of Tenovus Cancer Care, will be doing on May 9.

Businessin Wales joined them on a training walk in April, battling rain, sleet, snow and even the occasional mild spell, in preparation for the mountainous task they’ll be undertaking.

The challenge itself will see the pair, along with a group of other fundraisers, climb roughly the height of Mount Everest, all without stepping foot outside the stunning Welsh scenery.

Brains, one of the most recognisable brands Wales has to offer, has chosen Tenovus Cancer Care as its partner charity.

Nick Payne only took on the role of Managing Director a little over a year ago, but he’s thrown himself headfirst into this challenge.

He said: “Brains have proudly partnered with Tenovus Cancer Care this year. It’s a Welsh charity and we want to partner with local organisations.

“They do such good work across the community supporting people directly affected by cancer.

Payne is no stranger to tests of endurance, but even he admits Ten Y Fan will bring some challenges he hasn’t faced before.

He said: “I’ve been up Pen y Fan before, just once but not 10 times.

“I’ve done quite a few 24-hour challenges. I’ve played rugby for 24 hours. I’ve done a few triathlons and marathons as well.

“This is going to be different. It’s through the night. It starts at 6pm. I think that’s going to be a challenge mentally, just plodding through the night.

“But I think the good side is we’ll see the sunset and sunrise. We’re just praying for some good weather.”

While Nick is training for this challenge in the background, it’s all systems go during his day job of running a business which has been operating since 1882.

While many would find the weight of running a business woven into the fabric of Welsh culture a daunting task, Payne sees it as a privilege.

He said: “There’s been a lot of change internally. The stuff that you don’t see from the outside, all the boring stuff like processing systems.

“But we’ve got an amazing team there that is really committed to getting Brains back to where it was.

“We’re firmly on that path and we’ve got an exciting five-year plan ahead of us. I’m really excited to get Brains back in the hands of more and more people.”

Gareth Howells is also relatively new to his role, having taken up the top job at Tenovus Cancer Care fewer than six months ago.

Although the Ten Y Fan challenge pre-dates his tenure, Gareth has thrown himself behind the cause to help raise vital funds for the charity.

His commitment was evident on the training day. When most of the group were arriving, Gareth was already on his way down the mountain, having already ticked off one ascent.

He said: “I’m taking this on to raise some much-needed funds for Tenovus Cancer Care to make sure that we can deliver the services and support that people affected by cancer need.

“I was inspired by people that have taken part in Ten Y Fan before. I’ve done marathons and half marathons in my lifetime and felt like I needed to do something a little bit different.

“I’m really looking forward to going up and down ten times. I’d love to be in the mountains anyway, but this is one of those challenges that’s to really push me to my limits.”

“Ultimately, one in two of us will be affected by cancer in our lifetime.

“It’s really important for me that we give those people the recognition and support that they need at one of the most difficult times in their lives.”

Also taking part in the training was former Wales international and British and Irish Lion Dafydd James, a patron of Tenovus Cancer Care.

He said: “I’ve donned my walking boots and we’ll be taking part in a training run ready for the illustrious Ten Y Fan.

“I won’t be taking part in it; however, I have been involved in a number of charity events for Tenovus Cancer Care, from cycling to Paris to Ironman events and all sorts of weird and mysterious challenges.

“If you are able to join, if you are willing to partake or spare some funds, then they will be greatly received.”

“It’s vitally important, the work that Tenovus does. Whether it’s the aftercare, the pre-care, going into rural areas, it all costs money, and the hard work that’s done with the charity is exceptional.”

More information on how to get involved or donate is available on the Tenovus Cancer Care website.