At 2:00am on Sunday morning, while most people were still fast asleep, alarms were going off for some SaltSep employees.
There was no early start to the office this time. Instead, our team were getting ready to take on one of Wales’ most famous mountains, all in support of a charity that is making a huge difference right here in our local community: Jolly Josh.
Alongside the team at Easy Street Personal Training, we set off in the early hours with one goal in mind – reach the summit of Snowdon and raise as much as we could along the way.
The early start wasn’t without reason. We wanted to beat the crowds and make the most of the day ahead, but it also meant a very long day for the team.
As we began the climb, the excitement was high. But as the path got steeper and the wind picked up, it quickly became clear that this wasn’t going to be an easy walk.
The weather made the climb even more challenging, with strong winds making the final stages particularly tough. There were tired legs, plenty of heavy breathing and probably a few moments where everyone questioned quite why they had agreed to this!
The team encouraged each other every step of the way, pushing through the difficult sections and celebrating the small victories along the route. It was a real reminder of what can happen when everyone pulls together towards the same goal.
And eventually, after hours of climbing, we made it.
Our target was to raise £1,000 but thanks to the incredible generosity of our colleagues, customers, friends, family and wider community, we didn’t just reach it, we absolutely smashed it – we raised £4,460 for Jolly Josh.
Based in Rochdale, Jolly Josh provides dedicated peer support and safe spaces for children, families and carers of children with profound disabilities, complex needs and special needs.
The charity was founded by devoted mum Carole in September 2017, just one month after her son, Joshua James, sadly passed away at only 15 months old.
What began from an incredibly difficult personal loss has grown into a community that supports hundreds of families. In its first year alone, Jolly Josh welcomed 63 families and 23 professionals from the NHS, other charities and services, creating opportunities for families to connect, find support and thrive.
Knowing that the money we raised will contribute to this work made every step of the climb worthwhile.
Thank you to everyone who donated and supported us along the way. Every penny is going towards this amazing charity and we couldn’t have done it without you.