At 1 am on the morning of Wednesday, May 26, a team of 10 adventurers from Axminster started their climb of Mt Snowdon in order to raise funds for Arc.
Arc is Axminster’s unique mental health charity that assists local residents in times of trauma, loss or life changing events.
The fundraiser was the brainchild of local businessman Laurence Norman, who chose his team members carefully.
He explained: “With the right team in place, you can achieve great things.”
He invested a great deal of time and energy getting everybody fit and ready for the climb. He provided advice and encouragement throughout the pre-climb months of training as well as during the climb itself.
“The climb was a great success,” he said Laurence. “We have raised nearly three times more than we ever expected. The donations are still coming in and the whole team is so thankful to the community and all our friends and families who have supported us on this project.” Dr Barry McKenna was an important member of the group. Not only is he an experienced climber and all round fitness warrior, he was also the team doctor and is one of the founding members of Arc Axminster.
Dr McKenna said: “I am so proud of what this group achieved, most did not know each other, we all pulled together and supported each other all along the way. If one was struggling, we rallied.
“The amount that we have raised will keep Arc seeing patients registered with the Axminster Medical Practice at the time when they need the urgent help and support. The demand for Arc’s services is higher than ever, and all funds raised will help to keep the charity operational and able to fulfill a vital need within our community.”
The fundraiser was supported by local businesses Axminster Property, who provided funding for the teams transport to Snowdon, insurance, and some very lovely fleece tops, while Lynden Norman of Quay Technology provided emergency shelters and Brad Needs of Willsecure provided licenced radios.
Higgler coffee provided equipment and team consumables .
Tesco Axminster community fund also provided a selection of drinks and snacks to keep the team fed and watered along the way.
“Without these donations from local businesses, we would have had to divert funds raised to cover some of the costs of the expedition. Due to their generosity all funds raised by the team members have gone direct to Arc,” said Laurence.
The team left Axminster on Tuesday afternoon and arrived in Snowdon just after midnight. The weather decided to change just as they were about to start off up the mountain. Fog, mist and light rain soon surrounded the group! Whilst visibility was limited, the team progressed in good spirits and arrived at the top. The plan was that the group would stay at the top to enjoy the sunrise. However, due to the weather conditions, the sunrise was not visible so the team set off back down the mountain after a warm drink, something to eat and the addition of a few more layers of clothing.

At the time of going to press the team have raised approximately £13,000. If you would like to make a donation to this fundraiser please go to https://www.justgiving.com/team/castingthelight