The Annual Snowdonia MS Challenge

When? 
3 - 5th July 2009

Where?
Capel Curig, Snowdonia, North Wales

If you would like to take part in this fantastic event either as a passenger or as part of a team contact us NOW.

We made it! On that bright Saturday in July the team of 12 17-year old boys from Wilson’s school carried me up mountains, between trees, through mud and across rivers. It was amazing and seriously a lot harder than it first seems, having had to brace myself into the frame/ chair construction the boys created the whole way round so I didn’t fall out.

Once they’d strapped a few poles to make a frame that was fixed to a wheelchair with a few bits of string, I’d climbed on board and was shaken in the safety test, we were off over stiles and through summer meadows in the sunshine. Then it was up a steep ascent clambering though trees and over rocks up 100m. My life was truly in their hands as they fumbled to get a good grip of the frame, whilst stumbling trying to keep their balance and pushing ever upwards to continue the momentum, fighting against gravity. The view from the top was worth it though. The view over the edge, past the trees into the ravine was amazing with the sun glinting off the leaves as they rustled in the breeze. But we were soon rapidly moving on over logs towards a forest, where the trees forced the team to pass me between themselves as there was no room for anyone else but me and no one wanted scrapped knuckles. The boys often lifted me onto their shoulders so I had to watch my head for low branches.

Then came the mud. The boys got completely covered as it was slippy terrain with mud up to their thighs in places, but luckily I was kept nice and clean. In all the activity Mehal lost his shoe to the great mud monster but bravely carried on in a sock over the rocky path, whilst I sped along being pulled like a chariot by three musclely lads to find another patch of mud and rocks. Once nearing the end of the route the river crossing bought an opportunity for the boys to wash off and get their tops off in the sun before we crossed the finish line and had our photo shoot having taken 3 hours and 38 minutes of action and drama that has helped me to raise over £800 for Sutton and Croydon MS Therapy Centre.

The challenge for me was more that physically withstanding the journey. The mental challenge of being totally at the mercy of 12 boys, sat in a chair for so long and all the associated thoughts about my possible future were a challenge indeed. Back home now I continue with my routines, but the memory will last forever.

Thank you all for your generous support of this adventure. The sponsorship money will help provide information, support and therapies to improve the lives of people with Multiple Sclerosis in the local community, which will hopefully keep them as active as possible for as long as possible.

Karen Willson
Carried by Wilsons School

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This website is sponsored by Ken and Sandy Layson in memory of Gill March
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