Griffs Big 5 Challenge 2025

Organised by Rugby For Heroes

Mental health, loss and grief are one of the biggest challenges faced by people from all walks of life, especially for our military community. I will be taking on Big 5 challenges in support and honour of our heroes.

Rugby for Heroes works with the rugby community to raise funds and awareness for military personnel who are making the transition to civilian life. We are committed to providing financial and personal support, to help individuals overcome the many challenges that this transition presents.

Story

I’ll be undertaking five major endurance events to raise funds and awareness for two incredible charities: The Fallen Soldiers Fund and Rugby for Heroes.

These challenges are a true test of physical and mental resilience, and a tribute to the strength of those who serve and the struggles faced by veterans and their families, particularly around mental health, loss, and grief.

Event 1: Welsh Marilyns Challenge (Continued)

Across Wales, there are 159 Marilyns, ( hills with a prominence of at least 150m, the Welsh equivalent of Scottish Munros.)

Last year, I reached the summit of 102. This year, I aim to complete all 159 within the calendar year, finishing what I started and pushing myself to new limits.

Event 2: Winter Ascent of Mount Toubkal

Mount Toubkal, standing at 4,167m, is the highest peak in North Africa, located in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco.

This 3-day winter mountaineering expedition involved a remote trek to base refuge, a summit push in snow and ice conditions, and a final descent – a powerful mental and physical challenge.

Event 3: Mt. Gran Paradiso & Mont Blanc Double Ascent

Gran Paradiso (4,061m) is the highest mountain entirely in Italy. Mont Blanc (4,806m), the tallest mountain in Western Europe, straddles France, Italy, and Switzerland.

This expedition includes 8 days of alpine climbing, camping, acclimatisation, and summit attempts on both peaks – a high-altitude endurance test with unpredictable weather and rugged terrain.

Event 4: Beacons Way Traverse (East to West)

The Beacons Way is a 159km route crossing the entire Brecon Beacons and Black Mountains range.

Over roughly 8 days, I’ll trek across every major mountain in the range, sleeping rough and carrying all my kit – a journey through some of Wales’ most remote and breathtaking landscapes.

Event 5: Welsh 3000s – Back-to-Back

The Welsh 3000s include the 15 highest peaks in Wales, all over 3,000 feet, spanning Snowdonia’s three great ranges.

My plan: complete the entire route south to north (~35 miles), then turn around and do it all again, covering 30 summits and 70 miles within 48 hours. A brutal test of endurance, focus, and grit.

Why I’m Doing This

Mental health, trauma, and grief affect countless people, but especially those in the military community. These challenges are more than just personal goals – they’re a way to honour the sacrifices made by veterans and their families and to raise crucial funds for two charities that embody this mission.

The Charities

Rugby for Heroes

Rugby for Heroes works within the rugby community to raise awareness and funds for military personnel transitioning to civilian life. They provide vital financial, personal, and emotional support during one of the most difficult journeys a veteran will face.

Fallen Soldiers Fund

The Fallen Soldiers Fund supports the families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Their mission is to ensure that the memory of our fallen warriors lives on through meaningful support for their loved ones.

Help Rugby For Heroes

Sharing this cause with your network could help raise up to 5x more in donations. Select a platform to make it happen:

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Donation summary

Total
£325.00
+ £81.25 Gift Aid
Online
£325.00
Offline
£0.00
Direct
£325.00
Fundraisers
£0.00

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