Nine cable jointers and craft attendants from UK Power Networks recently ascended the Snowdon mountain in aid of Evelina London Children’s Charity.
The group managed to raise an impressive £2,075 for the charity, with the electricity network donating £500 through its matched funding scheme for employees taking on charitable ventures.
The leader of the pack, Joe Read, 37, guided his colleagues and friends to the peak of Wales’ highest mountain, as the company gave all nine employees two paid days off each to do community work.
The group encountered strong rain and winds but finally hit the summit in four hours and 24 minutes as they hiked the Pyg and Miners track.
Joe, a cable jointer from Epsom, South London, chose to support Evelina London because its paediatric facility provides care for his three-year-old son, Jacob, who suffers from an incurable kidney condition.
Jacob’s condition, Cystinuria, causes crystals to form in the urine as the amino acids can’t be broken down, resulting in recurring kidney stones. Fortunately, the condition can be eased with appropriate medication and diet.
Joe comments, “Jacob has been to Evelina London Children’s Hospital for five operations now. The staff have been fantastic every time and made every worrying visit more bearable. It can’t be easy dealing with worried parents and scared and sick children, but they are always sympathetic and approachable answering any questions we may have, and they always give Jacob excellent care.”
Colleagues, Matt Cheesman, Adam Cheesman, Billy Minter, James Portlock, Chris Stiling, Tom, Gallyer-Randall, Harry Lloyd, Ben Thompson all took part in the adventure.
Joe continues, “Matt was the main instigator and planner of the hike, but as a group we had been talking for a while about doing something to challenge ourselves. When I suggested doing the hike for Evelina London, the guys were even more motivated to tackle Snowdon as it gave the climb even more of a purpose.
“We hired a minibus to get up to Wales for the weekend and spirits were really high with anticipation and excitement. We were all really looking forward to the challenge ahead. I think we had underestimated how difficult the hike was going to be. We were not prepared at all for using our hands to climb up parts of the route and weren’t prepared for the challenging weather at the top. But we all really enjoyed it.”
UK Power Networks’ matched funding initiative offers up to £100 for individuals and £500 for teams for charitable fundraising events they have been involved in.
Joe notes, “My original target was to raise £500, so the £500 given from UK Power Networks alone was incredibly generous. All nine of us were willing to take two days holiday allocation but for UK Power Networks to give us those days back made us all feel valued and recognised for doing a good thing.
“I have always wanted to do something to give back to all the lovely NHS staff at Evelina London in whatever way I could, and this suggestion that Matt made seemed like the perfect way. The guys were unbelievably supportive about doing the hike for Evelina London Children’s Charity and we were overwhelmed by the amazing donations people made.”
Laura Savory, Interim Director of Fundraising at Evelina London Children’s Charity, comments, “We would like to say a big thank you to Jacob and the UK Power Networks team for their incredible fundraising. It is thanks to determined fundraisers like themselves that we are able to support the amazing care at Evelina London.”
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