A CHARITY event coordinated by a dedicated group of Dyfed-Powys Police officers, staff and community members, has this year succeeded in raising almost £20,000 for causes and charities working to deliver safer, more pleasant communities across the Beacons and beyond.

The WAAT4 Challenge saw a record number of teams compete in a 20k or 40k navigation event, up and over Pen-y-Fan earlier this summer, and at the charity presentation, the spirit of team work and giving was strong.

Recipients of the money raised this year included Brecon Mountain Rescue Team, who described the WAAT4 donation as being a “vital part of their support".

Other recipients were the Brecon Beacons Park Society; the National Trust – responsible for the maintenance of many miles of footpaths on and around Pen-y-Fan and the wider beacons; Safer Dyfed-Powys – The community charity of the Police & Crime Commissioner; The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and the Dyfed-Powys Police Cadets.

Speaking at the charitable presentation evening, Superintendent Jon Cummins, Divisional Commander for Powys said:

“In 2009, Dyfed-Powys Police asked each division to raise money for charity. The crew in Powys came up with the idea of making the most of what was on their doorstep and so began the story of the WAAT4.

“Almost a decade on since the first event and the organising team, along with the event’s many participants, have raised almost a quarter of a million pounds for vulnerable communities and charitable organisations.

“I’d like to thank everybody who’s participated in this event over the last ten years and especially those who work so hard to make it happen. This isn’t part of their day job – they do it because they see the impact it has.”

Plans are already underway for the WAAT4 Challenge 2019 and the books are open if you want to sign up – Saturday, June 15, 2019.

Jane Joseph, one of the main co-ordinators of the challenge, said: “The WAAT4 is about so much more than the navigation event itself. It’s a celebration – almost a festival in a field. The atmosphere is electric and in this coming year we’re working to include more activities for the whole family.”

If you’re tempted by the challenge, visit http://www.waat4.co.uk/ to sign up.