News

On 8 May 2026, a determined team of over 20 staff from Charlton Farm Children’s Hospice will take on one of the UK’s toughest endurance challenges — the legendary Fan Dance in the Brecon Beacons.

This is no ordinary hike. The Fan Dance is a gruelling 15-mile (24 km) load-bearing march, famously used in the selection process for the UK’s Special Forces, 16 Air Assault Brigade’s Pathfinder Platoon, and British Infantry Officers. It is designed to push participants to their absolute physical and mental limits.

Now, this local children’s hospice team is stepping up to face it — all to raise vital funds for the babies, children, young people, and families they support every single day.

These are the same dedicated individuals who provide compassionate, specialist care to children with life-limiting conditions. This challenge is their way of going even further — pushing themselves to the extreme to give back even more.

They are urgently seeking a company sponsor to help cover essential costs, including:

• 🚐 Transport (2 minibuses to safely get the team to and from the event)
• 💧 Energy drinks and snacks to keep the team fuelled throughout the challenge

Every pound saved on these essentials means more money goes directly to supporting local children and families during the most difficult times of their lives.

Karen Greaves, Head of Care, said:

"When our Charlton Farm staff choose to take on the Fan Dance — one of the most gruelling challenges inspired by Special Forces selection — it becomes so much more than a fundraiser. It’s a powerful act of love. Every step they take, every hill they climb, is a tribute to the strength and resilience of the children and families we support. Our families face mountains of their own, often quietly and courageously, and knowing that the people who care for them are willing to push themselves to such extremes in their honour is profoundly moving. It shows them that they are never alone — that an entire community is behind them, fighting for their comfort, their joy, and the precious moments that matter most. Their journey inspires ours, and this challenge is our way of saying: we see your bravery, and we walk beside you, every day.

I am very proud of my team and feel privileged to walk with them on the challenge — good luck everyone.

If your organisation can support, we would love to hear from you by emailing: matt.norman@chsw.org.uk

Learn more about the challenge and support the team by clicking here: