£8,400 raised in Yr Wyddfa trek for military children’s charity

A group of 40 people from across the British Armed Forces raised more than £8,400 (including gift aid) for the military children’s charity, Little Troopers, by climbing Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) on one of the hottest days of the year. 

The group, which included six children, their families, serving personnel and other supporters, scaled the Llanberis Path in the September sunshine, with support from Raw Adventures mountain leaders.

9-year-old Louis Darwell was one of the first of the group to reach the top. He said:

“It was quite hard climbing the mountain but when I got to the top I felt really proud of myself. We’re little troopers and little troopers never give up!

“I’ve chosen to support Little Troopers because I know how hard military life can be for kids. We’re born in this world and it’s tough, I’m so proud of my daddy and I love being part of the Royal Navy family but I do really miss him. When he gets deployed I worry, we maybe get to speak to him every few weeks and we get the odd email during the week but my life is just meant to continue as normal and everyone around me at school, and my activities don’t see how much I’m hurting inside. This is why Little Troopers is important to me, it brings awareness to the struggles we face, and it provides schools with support so they can better understand what we are going through. It makes us feel connected.”

Alice, aged 10, also climbed the mountain. Her Dad, Martin added:

“While walking back down Snowdon, Alice said she would never do it again but now she’s got the bug and has been asking about Ben Nevis! Alice was very proud wearing her medal to school and showing all her friends.”

Louise Fetigan, founder of Little Troopers, added:

“This is the sixth time we’ve climbed Yr Wyddfa to raise money for the charity and I think it’s been one of the hardest. It was really hot and humid on the mountain which was challenging at times. But we had two little troopers aged 9 and 7, Louis and Zac, who were powering up the mountain, always at the front of the group and we were all so amazed, they kept us going!

“The event has been a real success and I’d like to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has donated. Every penny makes such a big difference to our small charity. Special thanks also to Team Forces for sponsoring us.”

Funds raised from the Snowdon trek will go towards the charity’s resources, initiatives and events which support children who have parents serving in the British Armed Forces.

Last year Little Troopers launched two new projects including its All Together deployment club and the Little Troopers Therapy Programme. The charity’s Little Troopers at School programme has also recently been nominated for a Teach Secondary award.

You can still donate to the Little Troopers Snowdon trek by visiting: https://donate.giveasyoulive.com/campaign/snowdon-2023-for-little-troopers.

For more information about the work that Little Troopers does, please visit: www.littletroopers.net.