Wildheart Team Takes On Gruelling Welsh 3000s Challenge To Help Rescued Animals

The team at the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary is taking on one of the UK's toughest mountain challenges today (Wednesday) to raise vital funds for rescued animals.

Chief Executive Lawrence Bates will be joined by Mary Lenton, Sandra Digby and Charlie Panayi from Red Squirrel Property Shop as they attempt the legendary Welsh 3000s challenge.

The demanding route covers around 30 miles across the Carneddau, Glyderau and Snowdon mountain ranges, taking in all 15 peaks that rise above 3,000 feet.

With thousands of metres of climbing, it is widely regarded as one of the UK's most challenging hiking events.

Rather than attempting to complete the route within 24 hours, the team will tackle each mountain at a safe pace, focusing on finishing the challenge while raising as much money as possible for the Sandown-based sanctuary.

The fundraising effort will support Wildheart Animal Sanctuary's rescue, rehabilitation and conservation work, helping provide lifelong care for rescued animals.

Lawrence Bates said:

"This week we'll be taking on the Welsh 3000s to raise money to enable us to rescue more animals, and what better way to do that than climbing 15 great big mountains!

"It seemed like a good idea at the time, but after tackling one of the mountains in training, we know just how tough this challenge is going to be.

"However much we're suffering over those miles, it's nothing compared to what so many of our rescued animals have endured.

"Every donation, no matter how big or small, will help us transform the lives of animals who desperately need a second chance.

"Please get behind the team if you can - every penny really does make a difference."

The challenge forms part of Wildheart Animal Sanctuary's 50th anniversary celebrations, with a programme of fundraising events taking place throughout 2026 to mark five decades of rescuing animals and supporting conservation projects.

Lawrence, Mary and Sandra previously completed the National Three Peaks Challenge in 24 hours in 2024 and the Isle of Wight Ultra Challenge in 2025.

The Welsh 3000s is expected to be their toughest endurance test yet.

As an independent charity, Wildheart Animal Sanctuary needs to raise almost £2 million each year to continue caring for the hundreds of rescued animals at the sanctuary and to support future rescue and conservation work.

Anyone wishing to sponsor the team can do so via the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary fundraising page.