£5,816 raised in memory of musician killed in Snowdonia

The body of 34-year-old Iwan Huws, drummer for Welsh rock band Yucatan, was found on Tryfan in the Ogwen Valley on January 15.

His partner, Elin Gwyn, and other family members set up the appeal in aid of the Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Organisation (OVMRO).

Mr Huws, from Dyffryn Nantlle, had been reported missing by his family when he failed to return from the walk last Sunday evening.

More than 40 rescuers from seven teams were involved in the overnight search in testing conditions.

"The team's efforts as they searched for Iwan was inspirational, and although the result wasn't what we had hoped for, as a family we are very grateful for their dedication." Said Elin Gwyn.

Having initially set a total of £500 as a target for the fundraiser, Mr Huws' family and Elin had managed to raise double that within an hour of creating a page for the appeal.

By the afternoon of Monday, January 22, the total amount raised stood at £5,816 with money still being donated.

Rock singer Gruff Rhys and former Wales goalkeeper Neville Southall are just two of the big names to have backed the appeal so far.

Mr Huws was described as an "incredible person, a musician, and an adventurer that had travelled the world" by his family.

With Yucatan, he had performed at several major events such as Festival No. 6 and had supported the Charlatans in Cardiff last year.

"He was always looking for the next adventure." Said Elin Gwyn.

"It's a heavy blow to lose him on his favourite mountain in Snowdonia, doing what he loved.

"Iwan greatly admired the mountain rescue volunteers and had hoped to join them once he'd completed his mountain leader training. Every single one of them are heroes."

The region’s mountain rescue teams are all run by volunteers and need to raise money to fund their life saving activities.

To donate to the online appeal, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/iwanhuws