Walking for a Cause: Climbing Snowdon to Strengthen Our Community Food Larder, 26th July 2025

Since September 2020, right in the heart of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Water Eaton Community Hub (WECH) has been quietly transforming lives. Through our Community Food Larder—run every Tuesday at the Water Eaton Church Centre in Bletchley—we’ve redistributed surplus food from supermarkets and producers, tackling both food waste and food poverty in our area. Over the past five years, hundreds of local families have found vital support here, often sharing not just groceries but community and warmth over a free lunch in our café.

To help secure the future of this essential work, a group of 8 courageous individuals—from teenagers to seasoned hikers—took on a bold challenge: to climb the iconic Mount Snowdon in North Wales and raise funds to keep the larder running strong.

On 26th July 2025, our team from St. Frideswide’s Church, the proud sponsor of WECH, gathered at the base of the mountain. They were joined by 9 more fundraisers representing four different charities from across the UK. Seventeen of us in total, aged from just 7 years old (not pictured) to a remarkable 70, stood together at the foot of Snowdon, full of determination—and deliberately turning down the tempting option of the mountain train!

We set off at 9:30am along the well-loved Llanberis path, spirits high and steps steady. The first couple of hours flew by, and by the time we reached the halfway house, we were still smiling, energised by snacks, camaraderie, and breathtaking views. Some even joked that it felt like a walk in the park…

But Snowdon had other plans. An hour later, as we passed under the railway bridge, the weather took a dramatic turn. Mist rolled in. Wind picked up. Coats, hats, and gloves came out. What had begun as a sunny summer hike quickly transformed into an uphill battle through wind, rain, and near-zero visibility. It felt like walking through a giant car wash—only colder and steeper! Yet on we went.

Eventually, soaked and shivering but still smiling, our group reached the summit—first the faster walkers, followed gradually by the rest. Some sought refuge (and warmth) in the bustling Snowdon waited patiently outside, still café, while others cheering each other on. It was nearly 45 minutes before the final climbers joined us—cold but triumphant.

After a short rest and some shared snacks, we began the descent. Spirits lifted as we left the mist behind. Some walked down in sisterly clusters, others side by side with loved ones, enjoying the peaceful views. One older member bravely battled through aching knees, helped every step of the way by his two sons and a faithful friend. From first to last, the whole trek took around nine hours—every moment hard-earned and unforgettable.

Back at base camp, we warmed up, dried off, and celebrated with a well deserved pizza party—aching but proud. The best part? Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we surpassed our fundraising target of £2,000, with donations still coming in even during the climb!

Every pound raised will go towards keeping the Community Food Larder open and accessible, helping us continue to support families in need, reduce food waste, and build connection in our neighbourhood.

Most of us made it home just in time to cheer on the Lionesses in the Euro Final taking on the señoritas from Spain. With Mount Snowdon climbed, fundraise target surpassed, the weekend ended perfectly with an amazing feat of the Lionesses winning the Euro 2025. As Michelle Agyemang, the Young Player of the tournament, said in her post-match interview, “It all happened by the grace of God and very grateful for that”!

To everyone who supported us: thank you. You’ve helped make a real difference.

If you wish to continue supporting this good cause, you can do so from this link until 31 August-2025. https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/wech-msc