Royal Marines widow climbs Snowdon in honour of partner on the anniversary of his death
“No child deserves to feel the level of loneliness they experience, anything we can do to ease their pain is so worthwhile.”
Royal Marines widow and inspiring mum of three, Sonia Fleming (41), tackled a night-time trek up Snowdon last weekend (19th June) to mark the 11th anniversary of her fallen partner’s death and raise much needed funds for two charities close to her family’s heart.
Bereaved Armed Forces children’s charity, Scotty’s Little Soldiers was one of the charities chosen by Sonia to benefit from her challenge. The charity has provided integral support to Sonia’s sons, Ethan (24), Wesley (22) and Charlton (11), following the death of their dad, Lance Corporal Michael Taylor on 22nd June 2010.
Lance Corporal Taylor was serving with the 40 Commando Royal Marines in Afghanistan when he was killed during a gun battle in Helmand Province. His children, Ethan, Wesley and Charlton were 13, 11 and 10 months old at the time.
Every year around the anniversary of Michael’s death the family organise a fundraiser in his memory. This year, Sonia decided to tackle the highest mountain in Wales, Snowdon and has raised over £2,000 which will be divided between Scotty’s and Rhyl Commandos Junior FC, a grassroots club set up in Michael’s memory.
“Each year the family and I do something charitable in memory of my late partner and children’s father, Michael. Usually, we do a charity football match, but with the current climate, we decided that it would be best to do something different this year, and the idea of climbing Snowdon was put forward.
“Many times prior to Michael’s passing, he and the boys climbed Snowdon, while I happily stayed at the bottom waiting for them to finish. This year, I decided it was my turn.
“Myself and 14 of my friends, family, and coaches from Rhyl Commandos, took on the Snowdon challenge. The climb itself was incredibly challenging, but so rewarding.
We set off walking at 12:30pm, aiming to get to the summit for sunrise, and made it up and down in 6 and a half hours, raising over £2,200 in the process.”
Ethan, Wesley and Charlton joined Scotty’s Little Soldiers in 2011 and have all benefitted from Scotty’s support, including attendance at their Christmas parties, enjoying time spent at their respite lodges, and using the available grants for driving lessons.
Scotty’s Little Soldiers was set up in 2010 by war widow Nikki Scott, offers integral support to children and young people who have experienced the death of a parent who served in the Armed Forces.
Nikki saw the devastating impact the death of her husband, Corporal Lee Scott, in 2009 had on their two young children and wanted to help others in the same situation.
Discussing Scotty’s support, Sonia said:
“Losing Michael was by far the hardest experience my family has, and probably will ever, go through. Losing a parent is terrible at any age, but to lose them in action, with so many questions up in the air, is horrendous. No child deserves to feel the level of loneliness they experience, anything we can do to ease their pain is so worthwhile.”
“Scotty’s has always been there for us, through every up and down, and is only a phone call away whenever we need them. Having that support system really is a lifeline. Knowing the kids can bond with other children who are going through the same circumstances, and really relate to each other, is a comforting feeling.”
The charity is currently providing assistance to hundreds of bereaved Forces children and young people around the UK and services offered include guidance to parents and carers, access to professional child bereavement support, personal education and learning assistance (including grants) and fun activities such as holiday respite breaks and group events. These are all designed to remind the children and young people supported by Scotty’s that they are not alone.
Nikki said:
“What an achievement to reach the summit of Snowdon, especially in the dark! We’re so proud of Sonia and the team for taking up such a difficult challenge, and raising money for Scotty’s in the process, we’re incredibly grateful.
“Every child deserves to smile, and that’s exactly what Scotty’s aims to do. Without fundraising donations like Sonia’s, Scotty’s couldn’t continue to provide its bereavement support, learning assistance and fun activities, which are so integral following the death of an Armed Forces parent.”
