A group of eight friends from Wickersley, Rotherham are preparing to climb Yr Wydffa (Snowdon) on Saturday 30 May to raise vital funds for Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity’s dementia appeal - a cause that has become deeply personal for the team.
At 3,560 ft, Yr Wydffa is the highest mountain in Wales. The hiking challenge is especially meaningful for one member of the group, Reece Wesley, whose mum is living with dementia. Her diagnosis has had a profound impact on their family, transforming everyday life.
“Dementia has changed everything for us,” Reece commented. “Daily functions we take for granted like cooking, dressing and bathing are now absent from her life. My dad became her full time carer for years. Sometimes she forgets family members, including myself, and a normal conversation just does not exist anymore. It’s incredibly hard to see the woman you love become someone you don’t always recognise.”
When his friend, Stuart Turner, suggested climbing Yr Wydffa to support the dementia appeal, he did not hesitate.
“I jumped at the chance to raise money for dementia services in my town. It feels fantastic to be part of a team raising money for something so close to my heart. It’ll be an experience with my mates that, sadly, my mum will never get to have.”
The group hopes their challenge will raise as much money as possible to support the Dementia Appeal, which aims to raise £250,000 to transform hospital wards into dementia friendly spaces for the thousands of people in the community affected by the condition.
Stuart Turner, who organised the challenge said: “We’re just a group of mates doing this off our own backs. Like so many families, we’ve seen first-hand the impact dementia can have. That’s made us even more determined to do something positive and help support others going through the same thing. Any donations, big or small, would mean the world.”
Rachael Dawes, Head of Charity and Engagement at Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity, said: “We’re working to create warm, welcoming and calm hospital environments for people living with dementia and their families. Funds raised will help introduce dementia friendly designs, specialist equipment and enhanced therapeutic spaces to improve patient wellbeing and reduce distress.
“We cannot thank Stu, Reece and the team enough for taking on Snowdon for a cause so close to their hearts. Their support will make a big difference right here in Rotherham for people living with dementia and their families. Good luck team!”
Donate and help the group aim to raise £500.
If you could take on a challenge to support dementia services in Rotherham, the charity would love to hear from you. From extreme challenges like skydives to The Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge overnight – Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity have lots of opportunities to get involved. Contact the charity on 01709 426821 or email trft.rhcc@nhs.net