Jonathan and Brian Visit Cwtch Mawr to See the Impact of High & Dry Challenge

Earlier this year, a remarkable team of six men — Brian StokesJonathan MorganBen GarveyDaniel MorganChris Weightman, and Gareth Morgan — took on the High & Dry Challenge, a gruelling expedition across North Africa. From the frozen summit of Mount Toubkal to a 100km trek across the scorching Sahara Desert, their aim was simple but powerful: to raise money for children and families supported by Faith in Families.

This week, two members of the team — Jonathan Morgan, from Peter Morgan Estate Agents, and Brian Stokes, from ITCS UK — visited our brand-new Cwtch Mawr Multibank warehouse to see first-hand where the money they raised is already making a difference.

“You can climb a mountain and cross a desert, but nothing quite brings it home like seeing what people are up against here,” said Jonathan. “To know that what we did can help make everyday life just that little bit easier for families — that’s something we’ll remember just as much as the trek.”

Brian added, “It’s easy to forget how many families are facing things like choosing between food and fuel. Walking around Cwtch Mawr today showed me just how real and urgent the need is — and how targeted, practical support can go a long way.”

How Their Challenge is Changing Lives

Every donation raised through the High & Dry Challenge is going directly into the work we do at Faith in Families, from emergency essentials to long-term support. Here’s how just some of those donations are being used:

  • £10 provides a bag of fresh produce for a family struggling to afford food.
  • £10 can cover lunches for up to four people so no one visiting our Cwtches goes hungry.
  • £20 helps provide a pair of shoes or clothing for a child in need.
  • £30 supports the purchase of essential kitchen appliances, helping families prepare meals at home.
  • £30 can provide a fuel voucher to help heat a family’s home.
  • £40 funds a family day out, offering much-needed relief and bonding time.
  • £50 can provide new toys to aid a child’s development or additional support for families dealing with ALN diagnoses.
  • £70 covers childcare, enabling parents to gain new skills or return to work.

“It’s one thing to raise money — it’s another to stay connected with what that money is doing. Jonathan and Brian came here not just to tick a box but to see how they can stay involved. That kind of ongoing commitment is what drives real change.”

Impact Story | What's Next?

Jonathan and Brian aren’t done yet. Inspired by their visit, they are now looking into fundraising to provide full Duke of Edinburgh Award kits for young people in schools who would otherwise miss out due to cost. They understand, from their own physical challenges, just how valuable outdoor experiences and skill-building can be for confidence, wellbeing, and future opportunities.
 
They’re also eager to offer their own time and professional skills to support service users across Faith in Families’ projects — from volunteering hours to contributing their business expertise.

Want to Get Involved?

If Jonathan and Brian’s story has inspired you or your organisation, there are many ways to get involved with Faith in Families. From volunteering days and fundraising challenges to strategic corporate support, we’re always looking to build meaningful partnerships that make a real impact. Whether you’re climbing mountains or making a difference in your own community, we’d love to work with you.

👉 Find out more about becoming a corporate partner:
https://faithinfamilies.wales/corporate-partnerships/

Jonathan and Brian Visit Cwtch Mawr to See the Impact of High & Dry Challenge