Snowdon Sunrise 2024 – Ellie’s experience

Ellie took part in our Snowdon Sunrise fundraiser last year. Here’s what she had to say about her experience last year and her motivation to do it all again.   

Last Year’s Walk

What motivated you to sign up for last year’s Snowdon Sunrise Walk?

It was the clever marketing (well done, team!) about the sunrise. Who wouldn't want to be rewarded with that view?

How did you prepare for the challenge? 

I did lots of walking round the Moel Famau area. We’re lucky to live in an area of the country with great walking spots. Walking at a gradient is a must for training. Having a huge Go Outdoors round the corner from the Centre is very handy for hiking supplies.

What was the highlight of your Snowdon Sunrise Walk?

Reaching the summit, knowing my body and mind managed to do it. Seeing some views on the way down, and the best bit, our 9.00am bacon butty at a local cafe.

The railway bridge that acted as a shelter from the rain part way up, it was nice to have a bit of respite from the elements.

What was the biggest challenge, and how did you overcome it?

Two thirds of the way up I did have a mutter to myself - 'What am I doing?'  The incline was steep, it was cold, wet and windy, and I was feeling a little grumpy.  At this point I had to get into a stepping zone, I recall counting 1-2-1-2 to take my mind off the surroundings. There's no giving up when you're that close, you just have to take it slow and steady, but I did want to be picked up and transported far away. Coming down is harder than going up, your knees take a bit of a battering. The lack of toilets too, the summit loos weren't open at 4.00am!

How did it feel reaching the summit?

I've never walked up Snowdon before, so I had no idea of the route. Walking in the dark compounded this as I could only see as far as my head torch, probably 1.5 meters max. Whispers of the summit flowed through the group - at this point I thought, wow, that wasn't too bad! I do remember our guides said we'd made really good progress. We were all very windswept at the top, not many groups walked up that night, no-one seemed as crazy as us.

What was it like walking in the early hours of the morning?

I stayed over in a local B&B prior to the walk, and managed to get a few hours sleep beforehand.  Walking in the early hours wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. Sometimes it's better not to think about the hows and what-ifs, as overthinking brings in extra challenges. 

Looking Ahead to the Sunset Walk

Why did you decide to take part in this year’s Sunset Walk?

In my time at the Centre I've never been the fundraiser, I've always been the fund giver, supporting those people doing the activity. I thought it was my time to step up to the podium and do my bit for our members.

How do you think this year’s walk will be different from last year’s?

Hopefully, with a bit of luck we'll have nicer (drier) weather. The prospect of rain does fill me with dread, but it can't get much worse than last year from a weather point of view. Mentally, I think it'll be more challenging, I'll be able to see the mountain I need to climb.

What advice would you give to someone considering signing up?

Go for it, there's plenty of time to get in lots of training. Walking has so many health benefits too, being in nature, stepping away from the office/housework. Get outside!

The Impact

What does supporting the Neuro Therapy Centre mean to you?

I see on a daily basis what the Centre means to so many, members and staff, we all want to thrive in our community. My role in the Finance team means I see firsthand the financial challenge we face. I want to do my bit to try to lighten the load.

Why should others take part in this challenge?

This is a great team event, the guides are very experienced, you’re in safe hands. It's a great achievement too.  

Anything else you'd like to share about your experience?

I'd like to thank Jen for organising a great opportunity to raise funds for the Centre, and RAW events for the expertise of Mount Snowdon, and the dry pair of gloves they dished out half way up - they were a saviour!

 

If Ellie's story has inspired you to take part in this year's Sunset walk, register here.