A REMARKABLE young fundraiser from Denbigh is gearing up for a mammoth challenge during the school half term and will climb to the summit of Yr Wyddfa /Snowdon for Save the Children.
Eight-year-old Molly Holmes came up with the idea for the fundraiser after she saw TV adverts highlighting the charity’s work and decided to donate her Christmas and birthday money as well as some of her new toys to help other children. She then set her sights on climbing Wales’ highest peak for the first time and organised a sponsored walk.
Molly, who has a condition called Idiopathic Toe Walking and has to occasionally wear casts on both legs to stretch out her ligaments and tendons, will attempt the 1,085 metres challenge on Saturday, 26 February.
“I’m very nervous as I’ve heard Snowdon is a very big mountain and I think it’s going to be very difficult as I have problems with my feet. But I know I can do it and I think it will take me around four to five hours,” said Molly. “I’m looking forward to seeing lots of snow, nice pretty views and lots of mountain and then celebrating with my family after I’ve finished.”
“I’m hoping that my money will help children get medicine for when they’re poorly, food for when they’re hungry and clothes to keep them warm. I haven’t decided what toys I want to give yet,” she explained. “I’ve already raised over £450 on my Just Giving page and I’m hoping to raise much more to help children around the world to have a better life.”
Molly will be accompanied on the day by her dad Daniel Holmes and uncles. “We are very proud of her and know how determined she is to finish,” said Daniel. “Her condition means that she struggles to walk flat footed and has to occasionally wear casts, which means that what she is doing is even more amazing.”
All proceeds will help fund the work of Save the Children globally and in the UK. Since the earliest days of the pandemic the charity has supported millions of children, adapting, and scaling up its programmes so that they can continue to be safe, healthy and learning. Save the Children is currently responding to crisis situations in countries such as Afghanistan, Syria and Yemen and to the impact of hunger and climate change on children in all corners of the world.
Children here in Wales have also been impacted by economic hardships and the charity has been able to help families by providing emergency grants for food vouchers and essential household items. Alongside many other UK charities Save the Children is campaigning for the cut of £20 to Universal Credit to be reversed as many parents are faced with difficult choices this winter between putting food on the table and heating the house due to rising energy and food prices.
Melanie Simmonds, Head of Save the Children in Wales said: “So many challenges lie ahead for children in all corners of the globe with the impact of conflict, climate change and the cost of living crisis making it difficult for them to thrive, to reach their potential and to just be children.
“Every penny helps in making a child’s life better and it’s inspiring young fundraisers like Molly who make all the difference. A heartfelt thank you and we wish you all the best on the day and we’re behind you every step of the way.”
To donate please visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Molly-Holmes08
