On 14 April, Dan, aged nine, from Quedgeley climbed a mountain in Snowdonia with his mum, raising £600 towards St James’ Church funds.
Dan is the son of the Revd Mark Siddall, Vicar of St James’ Quedgeley & Kingsway, and his wife, Erica. Mark says, “Just before Christmas, Dan mentioned that he wanted to climb a mountain. I suggested Yr Wyddfa, Mount Snowdon because it offers a ‘proper’ mountain experience and he set about with his training straightaway.”
From the outset, Dan committed to six full-day training hikes ranging from 10 to 16 miles in and around Gloucester. He also wanted to use the climb as an opportunity to raise money for the work of St James’ Church in the community, specifically for those who are struggling most, in particular the teen outreach work and the church’s work doing care home visits. He promoted the fundraiser in the church magazine, after Sunday worship and at school – raising a fantastic £600.
Dan says, “I was amazed at how kind people were to sponsor me. I never expected to raise so much. I wanted to give the money to the church because I love how much the church does for people when we get together.”
For training, Dan would often climb multiple local summits in a day to prepare for Snowdon. And, on a snowy and challenging day after Easter, Dan made it to the summit still with a spring in his step.
Dan says, “I was so happy to get to the top, which was really satisfying after all the training. When we finally got down, I felt really proud to have managed it.”
Mark adds, “As Dan’s dad, I was really proud about Dan achieving this. His commitment to six full-day training hikes in and around Gloucester was amazing and his determination to reach the top of Snowdon (Yr Wydffa) was just so impressive. While we may take a break from fundraising, Dan is already excited about his next challenge – cycling 70 miles in one day!”
Do you have an inspiring story to tell from your worshipping community? Share it with us at ku.gr1728279080o.coi1728279080dsolg1728279080@newo1728279080k1728279080
News Hub
