A Mid and West Wales firefighter is preparing to climb the Welsh Three Peaks in full kit as part of an ambitious journey towards Mount Everest
A FIREFIGHTER from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service is set to take on the Welsh Three Peaks Challenge later this month as part of an extraordinary fundraising and training effort.
Rhys Fitzgerald, an on-call firefighter based at Kidwelly Fire Station, will attempt the gruelling challenge on January 31, climbing a total ascent of 2,900 metres across Wales’ three highest mountains — all while wearing full firefighting kit.
The challenge forms part of Mr Fitzgerald’s long-term goal of climbing Mount Everest in full operational kit, an undertaking that will test both physical endurance and mental resilience.
He will be joined on the day by colleagues from across Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, who are supporting him in completing the demanding climb during what is often one of the harshest months of the year.
Mr Fitzgerald is no stranger to extreme endurance challenges. He has previously completed a number of charity walks, successfully summited Ben Nevis, and climbed Ama Dablam, a 6,182-metre peak in Nepal’s Koshi Province, regarded as one of the world’s most technically demanding mountains.
Through his challenges, he continues to raise funds and awareness for charities close to his heart.
The Welsh Three Peaks climb will support three causes: The Fire Fighters Charity, which provides lifelong support to serving and retired firefighters and their families; Mind, which supports people experiencing mental health problems; and The Nimsdai Foundation, which works to remove waste left on Himalayan mountains and supports porters along the Everest Base Camp trail.
Mr Fitzgerald is fundraising through a GiveStar page, with donations going towards the costs of the expedition as well as being shared between his chosen charities.
A spokesperson for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service said the Service was proud to support Mr Fitzgerald in his efforts and wished him every success in completing the challenge.
