Nottingham Gym Team Tackling Snowdon For Maggie's Cancer Charity

A group of gym members from the National Water Sports Centre are preparing for their annual charity drive this week, with a gruelling trek to the summit of Mount Snowdon for Maggie’s Cancer Centre.

Over 20 members are tackling the 3560ft peak, based in North Wales, on Saturday June 1st, and all have their own reasons for raising money for a local charity.

John Cassidy is one of the members taking on the challenge, he said; “My wife Marlene died of brain cancer three years ago. It’s such a difficult thing to deal with, and the people at Maggie’s can, and do help.

“The hospitals do their best to provide effective healthcare, but it’s just so helpful to go to a place where you are given time, a bit of love, some practical advice, and just made to feel a bit more human again. Maggie’s is a place, not only for the patient, but also their family members.

“I’ll be thinking of Marlene when I reach the summit of Snowdon surrounded by the supportive group of gym members I have walked with.”

Rachael Wheatman, the Health & Fitness Manager of the gym at the National Water Sports Centre, said: “We’re such a close-knit group here and there was a bit of noise in the group chat that we’d like to raise some money for a cause that’s so close to all our hearts.

“My Dad died from Cancer a couple of years ago, and we’ve got members here who have been through similar scenarios, so we decided to raise money for Maggie’s.”

The group may be tackling Snowdon at the end of this week, but they’ve also been hosting several fundraisers in the local area.

A few weeks ago, the group raised £800 hosting a Bottomless Bingo evening at The Botanist in West Bridgford, they’ve taken part in several 80’s-themed step-aerobics classes, and for those who can’t make Snowdon, you can still contribute to the effort by doing a ‘virtual Snowdon climb’ on the gym floor.

Rachael said: “It’s such a good feeling to be raising money for a charity that’s so close to all of us. Cancer affects absolutely everyone in one way or another, so if we can contribute towards making people a little more comfortable in times of grief, then we’ll make sure we complete every step – and we can’t wait to raise the Maggie’s flag that we have at the summit of Mount Snowdon.”