Mirfield sisters climb Mount Snowdon to raise cash for hospice

Abigail Hudson, eight, and her six-year-old sister Lucy, of Sands Lane, Mirfield, joined their parents, Julie and Matthew, and family friend Stuart Beaumont on the challenging effort earlier this month.

They first climbed Crib Goch Ridge and then climbed to the top of Snowdon.

It took them six hours to traverse the ridge and then climb the highest mountain in Wales and another three hours to walk back down from the summit.

Mrs Hudson said: “I was amazed how fit they were, it was almost like they hadn’t done it. They were obviously tired at the end, the last section on the climb of Snowdon was quite difficult – Stuart’s experience was invaluable – and the walk down was very tiring.

“But the next day they were both up and running around as normal.”

The girls, who are pupils at Hopton Primary School in Mirfield, were raising money for Claire House Hospice, which provides invaluable care to children with life limiting conditions on Merseyside.

Their cousin, Cara McKeown, has Retts Syndrome and enjoys visits to Claire House while her parents – Julie’s brother, Peter, and his wife, Natalie – have a break.

Mrs Hudson said: “So far we’ve raised nearly £500 and money is still being donated.”

Prior to the challenging walk the girls had a practice outing in April when they climbed Pen-y-Ghent, one of the Yorkshire Dales’ famous three peaks.

“They did that without any problems so we decided to go ahead with the Snowdon climb. We’ve no more climbs planned at the moment, but I’m sure there will be more,” said Mrs Hudson.

“Their arrival at the summit certainly caused some comment among other climbers. One said they would be tackling Everest next.”

Abigail and Lucy certainly keep themselves active.

Lucy goes to Rainbows, Abigail is a brownie and they both attend after-school karate and kick boxing classes.