A team of 60 parents and Year 5 pupils from Marshgate Primary School in Richmond climbed Mount Snowdon earlier this month to raise money for Momentum Children's Charity and the school's Parent Staff Association (PSA).

The group completed the challenge over the weekend of 11-12 July, tackling the nine-mile trek to the summit of Wales' highest mountain, which stands at 1,085 metres (3,560ft).

The fundraiser was inspired by Richmond parent Alba Fransson, whose family received support from Momentum after her youngest son, Jack, was diagnosed with cancer in 2021 at the age of two.

Alba took on the challenge alongside her 10-year-old son Liam, while her daughter Marina, now 12, completed the same trek two years ago when she was also a pupil at the school.

The walk took around eight hours to complete, with participants facing temperatures of more than 30C and challenging, rocky terrain before reaching the summit and enjoying views across Snowdonia National Park.

Reflecting on the weekend, Alba said: "It was an amazing weekend – I feel so proud of my son Liam and all his school friends. We all felt a real sense of achievement when we reached the summit - we all collectively shouted 'Momentum' when we got there.

"It was a hot day with temperatures of more than 30 degrees, and the terrain was very uneven and stoney, which definitely made it more challenging.

"It was an emotional weekend with everyone proudly wearing their Momentum green T-shirts. Lots of people would stop us and ask why we were doing it and who Momentum was, so it meant a lot to be able to raise awareness of this wonderful charity."

She added: "We called the children 'mountain goats' as they just seemed to trot down - it was much tougher for the adults! Everyone received a medal at the end and went home knowing a lot more about Momentum. We celebrated by watching England win their World Cup quarter-final."

Explaining why Momentum was chosen as the school's charity, Alba said the organisation became a lifeline for her family during Jack's treatment.

"We found out about Momentum when we were in Kingston Hospital with Jack," she said.

"We met a Family Support Worker from the charity who was welcoming and understanding, and even though initially we felt we didn't need them, they helped in so many ways.

"From a secret cupboard full of goodies in each hospital, to trips to their respite cabins next to the seaside, visits from Santa, outings on their riverboat, and unexpected but needed chats over a cup of tea – they were brilliant.

"Slowly we realised that they were helping other families in the local area too and that we were all connected by their warm embrace.

"Sadly, there are many families nearby living with children with cancer and serious illnesses. All of them need that warmth that Momentum can bring, to make them remember that they are still a family that can share smiles and happiness in these difficult times."

Momentum Children's Charity supports families across London, Surrey and Sussex whose children are living with cancer or a life-challenging condition, providing tailored support through family support workers in hospital and at home.

The Marshgate Primary team is continuing to raise money for both Momentum Children's Charity and the school's PSA, with donations still being accepted.

To find out how to donate click here and to learn more about Momentum Children's Charity click here.

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