Today the team of six have started their epic challenge to conquer all six main routes to the summit of Snowdon over 3 days. Craig Smith, Richard Lappin, Paul Loveitt, John Young, Mick Griffin & Paddy Herbert are taking on the challenge in memory of Craig’s brother Dan, to commemorate what would have been his 30th birthday (year).
Dan sadly died of cancer on 19th April 2016, aged just 24 years old, he spent his last days at Warwick Myton Hospice. Craig wanted to do something positive in his brother’s memory whilst raising vital funds for Myton and so the Snowdon Dads & Dragons - 6 Summit Challenge was born.
Craig and five of his closest friends will complete two different routes up and down the highest mountain in England and Wales, every day for three days, assisted by another friend Stephen Tuft as the event driver and providing logistical support and cooking meals for the Dragons.
This is mammoth challenge will see the team ascend almost 20,000 feet and hike almost 50 miles, for up to 40 hours over the three-day challenge period from 18th – 20th June 2021.
This is a huge physical challenge, further compounded by the fact that due to Covid restrictions the team have been unable to train in the way that they had planned. Friendship and sheer determination to honour Dan’s memory and raise vital funds for the cause is what will motivate them when the going gets tough.
The last day of the challenge is on Father’s Day 20th June, and all six of the challenge team taking part are Dads, it will be tough day to be away from their children and families, but they are hoping to do them proud and to raise a glass for Dan together in Wales once they’ve completed the mammoth challenge.
We spoke to Craig earlier today as they reached the first peak, he said:
Dads & Dragons off to a great start, Watkins path complete…all safe and well… tired legs but just about to tackle the second ascent of the day, Snowden Ranger.
Thank you to my team mates, our driver and everyone who has sponsored and supported us. This is a huge challenge that we’ve set ourselves and without all of the support it wouldn’t be possible.
The team will be doing a live broadcast from Snowdon on BBC Coventry and Warwickshire Radio at 6.20am on Saturday morning on the Lorna Bailey show, so you can listen live or listen again to see how they are getting on with their challenge!
So far the team have raised over £11,000 for Myton but need your help to reach their target of £12,000 – if you are able to please sponsor them so we can provide care and support for more families, now and in the future. You can donate and follow their journey here or click on the event QR code below:
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/snowdon6summitchallenge
We can’t thank Craig and the team enough, we are behind you every step of the way. Thank you from all of us at Myton and good luck for the rest of your challenge!