An intrepid team of 12 from a local accountancy firm are nursing tired legs after taking on Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) to raise vital funds for Wiltshire Air Ambulance.
The trek team was made up of individuals from all of Gooding Accounts’ offices in Westbury, Melksham and Warminster – with apprentices, accountants, payroll specialists, bookkeepers and marketing professionals all taking on the challenge.
Travelling overnight to reach Wales’ highest peak, the team began the climb shortly after 2am on Sunday 14th July. Equipped with head torches and accompanied by expert guides, the team challenged themselves to ascend the 1,085m mountain in darkness through early morning fog and low cloud to reach the summit shortly before 5am.
Gooding Accounts marketing manager Emma, who took part in the challenge, said, “Conditions on the summit were chilly and damp, but we were rewarded with a break in the clouds as the sunrise broke through. The clouds began to clear on the descent and we enjoyed some fantastic views of Snowdonia as we completed the 9.5-mile route via the Llanberis path.
“The climb was certainly a challenge, but we kept the charity in mind as we pushed ourselves through some very steep sections and uneven terrain in the fog and the dark. We’re thrilled to be able to do our bit to help such a fantastic charity which is so close to the hearts of all of us here at the firm.
“Special thanks to Active Trowbridge for the loan of the minibus which allowed the team to complete the 500+ mile round trip to Snowdonia, returning to Wiltshire late on Sunday afternoon.”
The Snowdon Sunrise challenge is part of Gooding Accounts’ 10-year anniversary celebrations which see the team take part in a range of personal challenges and events organised by the firm to raise at least £50,000 for local charities by the end of 2024.
“There’s plenty to look forward to this Autumn including a quiz night, family bingo evening and sportsman’s dinner,” added Emma. “Visit the charity pages to donate to the Snowdon Sunrise team and find out more about what’s happening for the remainder of 2024 at www.goodingaccounts.co.uk.”
• In 2024 Wiltshire Air Ambulance will need to raise £4.5 million to continue its vital services across Wiltshire and Bath. The charity receives no regular funding from the Government or National Lottery grants and relies on donations from the public and local businesses to fund the helicopter, crew and all of their support staff.
The highly specialised critical care team can reach anywhere in Wiltshire in 11 minutes and fly to the centre of Bath in just four minutes. This speed can literally mean the difference between life and death for a patient.
