Snowdon at Sunset! Fundraisers scale highest mountain in Wales to raise funds for St David's Hospice

Originally planned for May 2020, the St David’s Hospice Snowdon Sunset took place 12 months later than scheduled. To ensure a Covid safe event and following government guidelines, the participants were split into two groups walking on May 15 and 29 this year.

Led by qualified and experienced mountain leaders from Aim Higher, fundraisers followed the nine-mile route of the Llanberis path. As the event was separated over two weeks, it meant that walkers were presented two completely different weather conditions.

The first set of walkers were unfortunately greeted with continuous rain, low cloud and sadly no views of a sunset, whereas the second group had perfect conditions and rewarded with the most beautiful sunset across the Snowdonia National Park.

The walkers were accompanied by Hospice Ambassador Dilwyn Morgan and Hospice Patron Elin Fflur. It was Elin’s first time walking up to the summit Snowdon.

Group picutre at sunset on May 29

Elin said: “Reaching the summit of Yr Wyddfa with the group on such a stunning evening was an experience I will treasure forever. We were very fortunate with the weather; the beautiful sunset did help my legs on those steep climbs.

“As a group we were quite emotional reaching the summit, we all had our reasons for taking part, some were walking in memory of a loved one, some were long standing supporters of the charity, every one of us aware of how important it was to complete the challenge so we could raise as much money as possible.

“Even though my legs were sore for a few days after the climb, I cannot wait to do it again.”

St David’s Hospice must raise £5million each year, through community fundraising, to provide free palliative care to people living in Northwest Wales.

Keri McKie, Gwynedd and Anglesey Area Fundraiser, also took part in the event.

“Both groups were fantastic to walk with, overcoming their own challenges along the way," she said.

"For many of the participants this was their first time walking up Snowdon, so to do this for sunset knowing they would descend in the dark was a huge challenge, but one that was completed by all.

“Thank you to everyone for their determination and kind support. So far, the event has raised over £6,000, with sponsorship still coming in.”

For further information about fundraising events taking place this year go to www.stdavidshospice.org.uk