Simon and Stephen conquer Snowdon

Two people Lifeways support at a service in Stoke have achieved one of their biggest goals of the year, after successfully climbing Snowdon following six months of dedicated training. 

Both Simon and Stephen are keen walkers who love being active, exploring new places and taking on adventures. They also enjoy horse riding, swimming, visiting National Trust properties and attending a weekly disco, and when two members of their support team suggested climbing Snowdon, the pair immediately said yes and began preparing for the challenge. 

Over the following six months, staff worked closely with Simon and Stephen to build up their fitness, stamina and confidence. Training walks took them across a variety of terrains, including regular trips to the Peak District and locations such as The Roaches, helping them prepare for the demands of mountain climbing. 

The long-awaited trip took place at the start of October, with the group staying in a cabin in Snowdonia complete with a hot tub, which quickly became one of the highlights of the getaway. 

Accompanied by two members of staff, Simon and Stephen tackled the climb with determination and enthusiasm. The journey to the summit took around four hours, with plenty of breaks along the way for snacks, drinks and to take in the spectacular scenery. The descent took a further three hours. 

After reaching the summit, the celebrations continued back at the cabin. The group cooked together, enjoyed a buffet and spent time relaxing in the hot tub after their achievement. 

Their achievement was made even more special by the extensive planning and support that went into making the goal a reality. Staff carefully organised the trip, sourced suitable accommodation and ensured everything was in place to provide a safe, enjoyable and person-centred experience. 

Samantha Harrington, Service Manager, said: “This was a fantastic achievement for Simon and Stephen and a brilliant example of our CHOICE values in action. Staff worked together to support them in achieving a personal goal that was important to them, ensuring they had the preparation, encouragement and resources they needed every step of the way. 

“The determination shown by Simon and Stephen throughout their training and during the climb was incredible. Everyone at the service is extremely proud of what they have accomplished, and their families have been delighted to see them achieve such an ambitious goal.” 

While there are no plans for Simon and Stephen's next big adventure just yet, this achievement shows that with the right support, determination and teamwork, there is no limit to what they can accomplish.