BANKERS swapped spreadsheets for mountains as they took on a gruelling 14-mile charity trek.
The 26-strong team from Solihull-based Paragon Bank raised more than £16,500 after completing the gruelling Fan Dance challenge in the Brecon Beacons.
The mountain trek, originally used as part of UK Special Forces selection, was organised to raise money for Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY)- the banking group’s charity of the year.
CRY funds research aimed at preventing sudden cardiac death in young people, alongside raising awareness, delivering cardiac screening and supporting affected individuals and families.
The hike, which the team completed in just over eight hours, included a double ascent of Pen y Fan, the highest peak in South Wales, taking in neighbouring summit, Corn Du.
The challenge was led by Paragon employee, Simon Tull, with support from qualified mountain leaders at SVL Adventures.
In 2025, Simon achieved the remarkable feat of summiting all 121 peaks across the British Isles in just 93 days in support of charity. Simon has built on that success by continuing to combine his love of hiking with a commitment to fundraising.
Simon said: “I’ve always enjoyed organising challenges that help people achieve something incredible for themselves while supporting charity.
“It’s been a pleasure bringing this event together and seeing everyone’s efforts pay off.
“It was a tough day in the heat, but we pulled through as a team with resilience and determination.
“We are blown away by the generosity of friends, family and colleagues, which I’m sure will make a real difference for such a worthy cause.”
