VALE of Glamorgan Council social service employees took on a mini triathlon fundraiser with the help of service users and friends.

The aim was to cover the 262km distance from Barry to London by swimming, cycling and walking/running within the area.

After the event, they more than doubled their goal by covering 576km.

The event was fully inclusive and catered for all abilities, with 28 out of the 46 participants having a disability and 12 being wheelchair users.

Over a period of two weeks, clients at New Horizons Day Centre completed their cycling and walking elements in the day centre gym using specialised equipment and took part in supported swims at Barry Leisure Centre during weekly sessions.

The mini triathlon event consisted of a 500m swim, a 5km cycle and a 5km walk/run along Ffordd Y Mileniwm, with six members of staff taking part in the challenge.

There was also a group walk with 29 participants, several of whom were wheelchair competitors, clients with walking impairments, friends and supporters with learning disabilities.

Lance Carver, head of social services, commented after taking part in the event: “What an amazing achievement the event was. I am lucky to be in the privileged position of working with staff and service users like these. The event was incredibly well organised and inclusive, and challenged misconceptions about disabilities, which is exactly what all our services should be aspiring to do”.

The event was made possible with help from Barry Leisure Centre, Barry Brewers Fayre, Pinit Building and Civil Engineering, Stokes General Builders, Woodland Electricals, GRABit, Woodlands Day Centre, New Horizons and St John Cymru Wales.

Money raised by the triathlon will go towards the purchase of an additional Thera Trainer, an active/passive exerciser costing £3,700.

So far, the event has raised around £1,500.