Officers complete Snowdonia challenge for local school

Two teams of officers from Staffordshire Police have successfully completed a challenge which saw them climb to the top of seven peaks in North Wales this weekend.

The Snowdonia Seven race, which dates back to 1974, sees police colleagues pitted against one-another in a 22-mile journey across the seven peaks of Snowdonia.

Contestants must carry mountain safety kit, food and water and work together in order to avoid any time penalties. To succeed, you must finish as a team and complete the steep route within ten hours.

Assistant Chief Constable Justin Bibby, Chief Superintendent Colin Mattinson, Detective Inspector Adrian Martin and dog handler PC Mark Sharrock completed the journey on Saturday (2 July) in seven hours and thirteen minutes – earning them third place in the veteran category.

A second team of operational personal safety trainers (OPST), consisting of Jim Millward, Dave Wall, Jimmy Felix and Andy Harris also completed the course within eight hours and 40 minutes, just behind their officer colleagues.

This team raised money for Walton Hall Academy in Eccleshall, Stafford, which caters for students with a wide range of additional learning needs.

“Races like this always take a piece of you, but what they give back makes you want to complete it even more,” said Ch Supt Mattinson.

“It’s a challenging and rewarding way to build bonds within and between teams – supporting each other to reach the finish line, which is demanding both physically and mentally.

“You have to train hard for it and must be resilient, but the reward for completing something like this is fantastic and particularly special as we were able to raise money for such a good cause.”

Jim Millward, who raced with the second team, said: “Ever since completing the race, taking the stairs seems more challenging than ever and doesn’t seem to be getting any easier.

“As a team we feel an incredible sense of achievement in completing one of the most gruelling events we’ve ever done, particularly as we were fundraising for Walton Hall Academy.

“The school does an amazing job at helping children to realise their potential, and it was great that we managed to exceed the £500 target and raise £575 for them.”

For more information on the JustGiving page, visit: Crowdfunding to Help Walton Hall Academy care for their students with additional needs by racing across 7 peaks of the snowdonia range, 22miles in 10hrs. on JustGiving