Snowden challenge is a family affair

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A student from Hull has persuaded her mum to take on a daunting challenge with her next month, in honour of family members who have served in the armed forces – including her 24-year-old brother.

Georgina Gilchrist (21), known as Gee to her family and her mum Tina (46), have signed up to complete the Heroes Hike on 9th May, up Yr Wydffa (Snowden). They’ll be trekking 20 miles up to the summit, which is 1,086m above sea-level. Gee said: “We’ve never done anything like this before, and to be honest we’re a bit nervous. But we know there are others taking part in the same position, so there’ll be lots of support available. And we’ll be thinking about my brother and relatives who all served, which will keep us going.

“It’s so important that we continue to show our support for our veterans and those who are serving. We’re incredibly proud of my brother and everything he’s achieved, and everything he continues to do to help keep us all safe.”

Gee and Tina are raising funds for the veterans’ charity Help for Heroes. The Yr Wydffa hike is one of seven guided Heroes Hikes taking place this year, to raise much needed funds for the Charity.

Siobhan Warren, Help for Heroes’ event fundraising manager, said: “This series of seven one-day hikes is more than just a fundraiser to support our amazing veterans. They’re an opportunity to reconnect with nature, meet new friends, and feel a real sense of personal achievement. 

“Some people walk because they have family members who have been helped by the Charity; while others may be motivated by more prosaic reasons, such as just taking exercise in fresh air, or are simply hikers by nature. 

“Whatever the motivation, if you’re looking for an inspiring walking challenge, Heroes Hikes may be the perfect choice.”

The series of seven Heroes Hikes starts with Scafell Pike on 25th April, followed by Snowdon on 9th May, and a visit to Ben Nevis on 6th June – the 82nd anniversary of D-Day. 

The focus shifts on 26th July, when the hike is around London, taking in 30 landmark military sights, before walkers leave the city behind for the coast, with a trek of nearly 17 miles (27km) along the stunning Jurassic Coast, in Dorset.

The series then concludes in September, with two hikes in beautiful countryside: on Dartmoor (12th) and in the Lincolnshire Wolds (26th). 

You can show your support for Gee and Tina here. For more information about this year’s Heroes Hikes and how to take, please click here.

Help for Heroes champions the Armed Forces community and helps people live well after service. The Charity supports veterans and their families with their physical and mental health, as well as welfare and social needs. It has already supported tens of thousands – and won’t stop until every veteran gets the support they deserve.   

The Charity supports veterans and their families from any branch of the UK military, regulars and reserves, irrespective of length or place of service, and locally embedded civilians who worked under the command of UK Armed Forces.