Battling strong winds and driving rain, a determined group of fundraisers laced up their boots and braved the elements for a night-time ascent of Snowdon, the highest mountain in England and Wales – to raise money for Derian House Children’s Hospice.
The charity’s brand new challenge, “Snowdon at Night”, saw 21 supporters set off under moonlight late on Saturday, 2 August, for a grueling overnight hike along the Llanberis Path.
Guided by mountain experts and lit only by head torches, the walkers reached the summit in the early hours of Sunday, 3 August – and have so far raised £11,157.29 for Derian House.
Mum Holly Nixon took on the challenge in memory of her four-year-old son Alfie who was cared for at Derian House Children’s Hospice.
Holly spent the days following Alfie’s death in 2023 at Derian House Children’s Hospice, as he lay at rest in one of the special cold Sunflower Rooms. The extra time gave the family more time to say goodbye to their beloved boy.
“There is nothing I could physically do to pay back Derian House for what they did for Alfie and us,” said Holly, who raised £2,202 in sponsorship for Snowdon at Night.
“The climb up Snowdon was tough. We walked for six hours straight with steep inclines, rough terrain, and genuine challenges. Thank you to everyone who donated!”
Holly carried Alfie’s Manchester United T-shirt, signed by retired players David May and Lee Martin, all the way up to the summit.
“Derian House was amazing during Alfie’s short life and equally amazing afterwards,” said Holly.
“I’d be lost without that place. The staff were a lifeline for me in helping to care for Alfie, he even spent his fourth birthday at the hospice having fun. Derian will always hold a very special place in my heart.”
Walkers proudly wore their bright green Derian House T-shirts as they trekked through unrelenting wind and torrential rain in support of children with life-limiting conditions.
Judy Baigent, Charity Account Officer at Global Adventure Challenges, said: “Snowdon at night is considered challenging, but Saturday night soon changed into an endurance event due to the intense rain and wind! With a smile and a burning desire to conquer Mount Snowdon, Derian House supporters arrived, aware of the difference they were making to Derian House families, due to their incredible fundraising efforts, and knowing the challenge they were about to undertake was nothing in comparison to what Derian House families face on daily basis. Everyone should be proud of what they have accomplished and, more importantly, the awesome amount of money they have raised. Their perseverance, tenacity, and support of one another was amazing.”
Kerry Salmon, Community Fundraiser at Derian House, said: “Our supporters never fail to amaze us. Facing terrible weather and a tough climb, they powered through with smiles on their faces. It took sheer determination and grit to get up to the Summit. We’re so proud of everyone who took part.
“Care is free to families at Derian House, but it costs £6million to run the hospice every year. The charity only receives around 30% of government funding, meaning it relies on kind-hearted supporters to raise 70p in every £1.”
Find out more about what’s going on at Derian House throughout the year: www.derianhouse.co.uk
12 Aug
