AN ABERGAVENNY woman has helped to raise more than 100,000 for a national children’s charity by canoeing, abseiling and cycling in an intense six-day charity challenge.

Sioned Webb, marketing director for Chepstow-based manufacturing firm AluK, was one of 12 women from across the the window and door industry to take part in the Paddle2Pedal challenge.

The challenge saw Mrs Webb canoe 100 miles down the River Wye and abseil down a 500ft rock face in Symonds Yat, before cycling 120 miles back up the Wye Valley to Oswestry, Shropshire.

The participants battled through the tricky rapid section of the river under the careful watch of Severn Area Rescue Association (SARA) volunteers.

The group were then cheered on once they reached dry land by a crowd of supporter s who had travelled up from Aluk’s new headquarters on Newhouse Farm Industrial Estate in Chepstow.

Speaking after completing the event, Mrs Webb said: “I like a challenge but even for me this was quite scary. We had all been training hard for almost a year though and I always knew we’d make it.

“It was a fantastic experience from start to finish and, despite the aching legs, certainly one I’ll be telling my children about for years to come.”

The Paddle2Pedal challenge was organised by GM Fundraising, which raises money for the Hope House Children’s Hospices in Oswestry and Conwy.

So far, the team, who paid all their own costs and were supported by leading manufacturers including AluK, has raised more than £100,000.