College fundraiser completes epic challenge for North Wales abuse charity

A TIRELESS fundraiser took on an epic journey for a charity supporting victims of abuse.

Having accomplished the Three Peaks in 2018, and the Crazy 7 in Scotland – including the Cairngorms – a year later, Karl Jackson completed the Freezing Fingers challenge during the winter.

Karl, who is site lead and Assistant Director for the Institute of Technology at Coleg Cambria’s Bersham Road site in Wrexham, travelled 100 miles over four days in bleak conditions over the Rhinogydd mountain range in Snowdonia, some of the toughest and roughest terrain in the UK.

As well as the ice and snow, he navigated rugged rocks, steep hills, and marshland with a rucksack on his back and only Paul Standring, a lecturer in the Higher Education and Technical Construction Faculty, for company.

But it was worth it; together they raised £1359 for Stepping Stones North Wales, a long-established charity providing therapeutic counselling and support services for adults who were mentally and physically abused as children.

“Thank you so much to everyone who donated, we were overwhelmed by the response,” said Karl.

“It was a daunting challenge, we were faced with freezing cold weather and the trek was very tough at times, especially as we were carrying food, water and equipment on our backs, but we got through it.”

He added “Stepping Stones North Wales is an incredible charity so we are pleased to be able to contribute to the amazing work they do in our community.”

Volunteer and Events Manager Shirley McCann thanked Karl and Paul for their efforts.

“We are so grateful for their support, it was an amazing achievement which raised vital funds for our charity,” said Shirley.

“The money will really help change the lives of vulnerable people in North Wales who carry the lifelong effects of the trauma of their abuse as children, and every penny will go directly towards providing our specialist services.

“Due to the Coronavirus pandemic we sadly had to cancel many of our planned fundraising events, so we have had to rely more and more on the generous donations of our supporters. This was particularly challenging as we are seeing a significant rise in the number of calls to our helpline during lockdown.

“The efforts of people like Karl have truly inspired others and we are so grateful for this; his support really will help change people’s lives. Amazing!”

Karl thanked Coleg Cambria, the Wales Construction Innovation Centre and partner companies including Anwyl, Wynne Construction, Redrow, M&P Construction, Jones Bros and Knights Construction Group for their support.