Army Veteran Leads Youth Team to Double Snowdon Summit for Scotty's Little Soldiers
Not once, but twice!
On the 27th of July, 2024, Army veteran Gavin Jones and 16 participants took on the formidable task of summiting Snowdon not once, but twice, in a single day. Yes you read that correctly!
This Double Snowdon Challenge was part of an effort to raise funds for Scotty’s Little Soldiers, a charity close to Gavin’s heart, and for his local youth football team, Pilgrims Colts Under 11. With a fundraising goal of £1,000, Gavin and his team were thrilled to exceed expectations, raising an incredible £1,685.
At the start of the Double Snowdon Challenge
Rising to the Challenge
Gavin, who served 14 years in the Welsh Guards, decided to take on this challenge to raise much-needed funds for his youth football team. After a chat with his wife, they both agreed that supporting Scotty’s Little Soldiers would add even more meaning to their efforts.
“After looking into Scotty’s, we thought it was a very noble charity, and we wanted to help raise funds for other children as well,” Gavin explains. The event took on added significance as Gavin drew on his military experience to ensure the group was fully prepared for the challenge ahead. “This task gave me a sense of responsibility which activated the old soldier in me after being out of the Army for over 12 years!”
Event Day: Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
The challenge kicked off with a few unexpected obstacles, starting with the steep steps on the PYG track. “The challenge started almost immediately,” Gavin recalls with a smile, “but with some great teamwork, we helped each other over every steep incline.” The group, which included many first-time climbers, quickly bonded and worked together, much like a military unit would in tough conditions.
Despite the less-than-ideal weather at the summit, the children remained in high spirits. “They didn’t even realise they were walking up a mountain!” Gavin says. “They took it in their stride. It was lovely to see the kids in an outdoor, raw environment and emanating so much positivity and energy.”
Reflecting on Success
The team’s collective effort was rewarded with an overwhelming response from friends, family, and supporters, who helped them smash their fundraising goal. “We are absolutely over the moon,” Gavin shares. “We did not think we would even raise half this amount in all honesty. Everyone has been so supportive and motivated us to succeed.”
Looking ahead, Gavin is confident that the funds raised will make a real difference. “We are more than confident that every penny we raised will be utilised to the best of your ability and experience. We are certain that bereaved military children will benefit from this fundraiser, even if just a little bit.”
Encouraging Others to Get Involved
Gavin’s advice to anyone considering a similar fundraising effort is straightforward: “Research what you want to do, make it challenging but also achievable, do it with a group, prepare meticulously, be positive, and have fun doing it!” His experience not only highlights the importance of preparation and teamwork but also the incredible impact that a small group of dedicated individuals can have.
For those inspired by Gavin’s story, you can still contribute to his JustGiving page: Donate Here.
About Scotty’s Little Soldiers
Scotty’s Little Soldiers is a charity dedicated to supporting children and young people, 0 to 25 years, who have experienced the death of a parent who served in the British Armed Forces.
Inspired by the experience of Army widow Nikki Scott, following the death of her husband, Corporal Lee Scott, in Afghanistan in 2009, the charity, which was set up in 2010, provides support and guidance to hundreds of bereaved military children and young people throughout their childhood.
When a young person joins Scotty’s, they become a member and are supported until their 25th birthday. Whether it be one-to-one bereavement support, a respite break with the family, an opportunity to meet others in a similar situation, or access to extracurricular activities, Scotty’s is always there for its members to ensure they don’t feel alone.
So far this year, Scotty’s has supported over 700 children and young people and services are delivered through three Family Programmes, available to all members:
The SMILES Programme is about fun and engagement and includes activities, gifts, respite breaks and group events. The aim is for bereaved military children and young people to form friendships, benefit from peer support, heal with their family and feel part of a supportive community.
The SUPPORT Programme looks after emotional health and wellbeing and includes 1:1 bereavement support.
The STRIDES Programme focuses on education and development needs, removes barriers to learning and helps young people gain confidence that can be lost after a bereavement.
Scotty’s has a long-term goal to be supporting over 1,000 bereaved military children and young people annually by 2030.
