On Thursday, August 29, Gethin Morgan, 39, from Caernarfon, will attempt to carry a 35kg broken tumble dryer up and down Mount Snowdon in under five hours. He hopes this will earn him a Guinness World Records title for the fastest ascent and descent of the mountain carrying a tumble dryer, though confirmation of the record category is still pending.
Training with a 35kg sandbag and the actual tumble dryer
Morgan has been preparing for the challenge using a specialist hiking harness and a 35kg sandbag, walking on a treadmill at a 15 per cent incline. He has also completed several test walks around Caernarfon with the actual tumble dryer strapped to his back to get used to its size, weight and balance. The tumble dryer weighs 35kg, and Morgan will have to carry it over more than 14.5km and up 3,200ft of elevation.
Morgan said: “I literally woke up one morning and thought: ‘I should go up a mountain with a tumble dryer to raise money for a veterans’ charity’. Everyone has told me that I’m crazy, which has probably made me even more determined. I’d seen the tumble dryer sitting there and thought, why not put it to good use, rather than scrap it or leave it collecting dust. It’s definitely heavier than I expected. But I’ve committed now!”
Former police officer inspired by work with veterans
Morgan is a former police officer who spent two years working alongside military personnel on Ascension Island and in the Falkland Islands. Through his rugby career, he has played alongside many veterans in annual Armed Forces events, representing the North Wales Buccaneers, GB Police Rugby League and earning six caps for Wales Masters. This experience inspired him to raise funds for Combat Stress, a charity that provides mental health treatment and support for veterans.
“Both through my career and through playing rugby with a lot of lads who are ex-forces, I’ve seen how important mental health support is for those who have served,” Morgan said. “Combat Stress does incredible, life-transforming work, and I want to raise as much as I can to help other veterans in their hour of need.”
Support from teammates and a QR code on the tumble dryer
On the day of the challenge, Morgan will be supported by some of his rugby teammates, family members, and a sports therapist. He also plans to display a QR code on the side of the tumble dryer so walkers on the mountain can donate as he passes them. The fundraiser is set to take place on Snowdon, also known as Y Wyddfa, in Gwynedd.
Robert Marsh, director of fundraising at Combat Stress, said: “We are extremely grateful to Gethin for taking on such a unique and gruelling challenge, and we will be cheering him and his tumble dryer on every step of the way. We simply couldn’t continue delivering life‑changing treatment to veterans and their families without incredible, selfless fundraisers like Gethin. His determination will not only raise vital funds, but also inspire others to do their bit in support of veterans’ mental health.”
To support Gethin’s challenge, visit the Combat Stress fundraising page for Gethin Morgan - Y Wyddfa (Snowdon) tumble challenge.
