Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance team #Helimed29 rose to the challenge to trek up Snowdon through the night, reaching the summit in time to watch the sunrise and raising over £4,000 for charity in the process.

Organiser of the event, Holly Fowler, shares her enjoyment on a successful Snowdon at night walk.

“The amazing challenge was taken up by sixteen members of staff and supporters. In the early hours of Sunday 17 July, ‘Team Helimed29′ left the start base at Llanberis at 1.30 am and we walked 5 and a half miles in a moonlit procession to the top of Wales’ highest mountain.

Weather conditions were perfect. The night was a balmy 16 degrees and the dappled moonlight cast an eerie light on the summit as it came into view.

Whilst the majority of the team had left headquarters at Waddington at 7 pm on Saturday evening, our very own Chris Bailey, Head of Operations, was already on his way. He had decided to cycle the 228 miles from our base to Llanberis before even climbing the mountain!  He was supported on his cycle by crew members along his gruelling route.

It was exciting to climb in the dark having only the light from our head torches and the moon to show our way. We had to keep slowing down, for our guides were concerned we would be waiting at the top too long for sunrise!

When the sky started to lighten, the hills around took on an ethereal quality, slowly emerging from dark shadows. The final climb to the top gave way to stunning panoramas of Wales, the Irish Sea and beyond. The sun finally rose at 5.11 am, a red ball of fire peaking over the horizon. Paramedic Lou Masson was surely proud to have arrived at the top, she had worn her full uniform and carried her bag in humid conditions. Well done Lou…

Champagne was on hand to celebrate our success and this really was something to celebrate. Together we had raised over £4,000 for the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance.

We revelled in the achievement as we made our way back down the mountain to have a big, well-deserved Welsh Breakfast at Pete’s Eats café in Llanberis before making the long journey back to Lincoln. We were elated. It was a fantastic challenge with great weather, great camaraderie, and… there was even a surprise wedding proposal in the group!

Team Helimed29 had done it….. we are now planning our next ‘Snowdon at Night challenge’