Three seven-year-old best mates scale Wales's highest peak in hospice fundraiser

Three young best friends from Woking have conquered Wales's highest peak to raise money for their local hospice.

Jax Woodley, Antonio Schiavo and Abel Trafford, all aged seven, reached the summit of Mount Snowdon in a remarkable fundraising effort for Woking & Sam Beare Hospice.

The trio managed to collect an impressive £7,661 through their challenge – a sum that will pay for 74 counselling sessions for children supported by the charity.

It is a brilliant achievement for the young adventurers, who took on the 1,085-metre mountain despite facing tough weather conditions during their climb.

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The three lads first became mates four years ago when they started playing football together, and they have been inseparable ever since.

As devoted Woking FC supporters, the boys were moved to action after seeing how much their beloved club does for the hospice.

They wanted to give something back to their community while creating a memory that would stay with them forever.

Despite being used to the cold and rain that comes with playing football in England, nothing could have prepared them for what awaited on the Welsh mountainside.

Craig Woodley, Jax's dad, guided the boys up the mountain after setting off at 7am for the five-hour drive to North Wales.

The group wasted no time once they arrived, heading straight onto the trail.

"For the first half hour I honestly doubted we could do it, but we got through it section by section," Craig said.

Things got even trickier when they discovered the train back down wasn't operating that day.

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After celebrating at the summit, the group faced an additional two-hour and 45-minute walk back to the bottom – making their achievement all the more impressive.

The boys battled fierce winds and dust near the summit but finished with smiles on their faces.

"I'm happy that I've done this and feel proud of myself," Jax said. "It was hard climbing up against the wind and getting dust in my eyes, but it was worth it to see the views at the top."

Abel added: "It was so windy at the top but doing this challenge for the Hospice with my best friends made me feel good about myself."

Antonio said: "Walking up the mountain was really fun and challenging, and it was exciting to get to the summit, even though it was hard in the wind."

Craig expressed immense pride in what the youngsters accomplished, noting that while their families haven't personally needed hospice care, they recognise the vital work the charity does locally.

"Everyone seems to know someone who has been helped by the Hospice," he said.

You can find their JustGiving page here.

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