FOUR Meirionnydd mums have raised over £4,000 for two local schools by completing a virtual hike of Mount Fuji.

Phoebe McCarter, Faye Stockton, Heidi Wilkes and Leanne Walford raised the money for schools attended by their children by climbing Cader Idris four times in two days on Saturday, 8 and Sunday, 9 May.

The money will be split equally between Ysgol Pen y Bryn in Tywyn and Craig y Deryn in Llanegryn.

Talking about how the challenge went and why they felt it was important to raise the money for the schools, the group said: “As mothers to primary school children, we have been acutely aware of the impact that the coronavirus pandemic has had on the mental health and emotional wellbeing of the young in our community.

“School closures have been extremely tough for many; children have been exposed to an unprecedented level of uncertainty and have been isolated from their peers.

“Mental health services for children and adolescents were stretched before the pandemic, and we wanted to find a way to foster the emotional resilience and mental wellbeing of our young people.

“After discussing this with the headmistresses of Ysgol Craig y Deryn and Ysgol Pen y Bryn, we decided to raise money to enable them to invest in resources and training to help their pupils recover and thrive.”

They continued: “We started on the Dolgellau side of the mountain in the pitch black, in strong winds and heavy rain.

“The conditions really were atrocious, and we had to consider abandoning the attempt for our safety.

“The wind calmed just enough for us to decide to continue up the Pony Path to the summit.

The second ascent was really hard; we were all cold, wet and tired, but pushed through the gale and driving rain to make it back to the cars in just over 12.5 hours.

“We were amazingly lucky to have a sports massage to our legs during the evening, which helped us to recover enough for the next two ascents.

“On the Sunday conditions were significantly better, and although we were all feeling jaded from the day before, it wasn’t long before our sense of humour returned!

“This seems to be one of the secrets to a team endurance event.

“This time, when we got to Minffordd, our clothes were still dry, and we were met by Gaynor Morgan and Olivia Portman,who came along for the final summit.

“After another stop at Llanfihangel-y-Pennant, we were joined by Jess Williams, and the fourth and final ascent was full of laughter despite the pain.

“After getting covered in Prosecco in the wind at the summit, we hobbled back to the car park to a wonderful surprise welcoming party.”

The four added: “Thank you so much to all of our supporters, and everyone who has donated.

“We really couldn’t have done it without you.”

To donate to the group’s fundraiser, go to www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/caderchallenge