Army officer and pals will hike the height of Mount Everest in aid of SSAFA

13 March 2026

Major Grant Powell and two friends are teaming up to climb Pen Y Fan, the highest mountain in South Wales, 10 times in 24 hours, equalling an ascent distance of 29,070 ft – 40 ft higher than Mount Everest all in aid of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.

Taking place on 9th May 2026, the event called TenYFan, will see Grant Powell, Police Officer Christopher Hopkin and Customer Care Coordinator Luke Gregory travel to the scenic Bannau Brycheiniog National Park (formerly the Brecon Beacons) to tackle this mammoth challenge. With each 2,907 ft climb to the summit, the climb down will be just as formidable, making the entire challenge more than 58,000 ft of gruelling terrain. 

Led by Grant, an Army officer in the Royal Signals based at Blandford Camp, the trio said it was an easy decision choosing SSAFA as its charity partner. 

Grant said: “SSAFA was the natural choice to support. Although I've never needed the charity directly, I’ve seen first-hand the amazing support it offers to soldiers in their time of need and, sadly, families when there has been a soldier's death. They have been an incredible charity to support in the past and will remain my number one choice in the future.

"Joining the Army as an officer in 2011 and commissioned in the Royal Corps of Signals in 2012, I always knew I wanted to be in the military. The decision to join the Signals was inspired by a good friend and it was a natural fit with my technical background”.

In the past 12 months, Grant has participated in Newport Half Marathon, London Marathon and Ironman Wales, with the latter being his hardest event so far. However, he expects 10YFan to compete for this title. 

Elizabeth Rossiter, Senior Events Officer at SSAFA said: “Fundraisers like Grant and his team have a direct impact on SSAFA’s mission — to support those in the Armed Forces community during their time of need because no one should ever battle alone. This group are incredible supporters of SSAFA. The determination they’ve shown — both in their training and in taking on such a demanding challenge — truly reflects the spirit of our Armed Forces community. We're cheering on Grant, Luke and Chris and wishing them all the best for May”.