MS SOCIETY Cymru is delighted to announce that ‘The Project’, a youth club run by Boulders, a Cardiff-based indoor climbing centre, has successfully completed their ‘Climb the Height of Everest’ challenge for the third consecutive year, raising an impressive £1,408 for the charity. This amount surpasses their initial target of £1,000, marking a significant achievement in youth-led fundraising and awareness efforts for Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
The fundraising event, held on Monday, 19th July, saw the young climbers of ‘The Project’ attempt to scale the equivalent height of Mount Everest (8,849m) in a single day using Boulders’ climbing walls. This ambitious challenge equated to approximately 880 climbs, which the group completed successfully.
This year’s success builds upon their previous achievements, with the group raising £1,016 in 2022 and £1,200 in 2023. The consistent increase in funds raised each year demonstrates the growing impact and dedication of ‘The Project’ to supporting MS Society Cymru.
Liz Ayres, one of the Directors at Boulders, created a JustGiving page to support a fundraising event for the MS Society Cymru. This initiative was spearheaded by Ruari McCarthy, a dedicated leader of ‘The Project’ youth club, which operates from their Newport Road location.
Ceri Bevan, Community Fundraiser for MS Society Cymru, expressed deep admiration for the young climbers’ efforts. “The enthusiasm and determination shown by these young people year after year is truly inspiring,” Ceri remarked. “Not only have they consistently raised substantial amounts for our cause, but they’ve also significantly increased awareness about MS among their peers and the wider community.”
Ceri plans to conduct a cheque presentation in the coming weeks to formally recognise the group’s achievement.
Boulders plays a crucial role in supporting the MS community beyond this fundraising event. In partnership with MS Society Cymru, the climbing centre hosts regular indoor accessible climbing sessions for individuals living with MS. These sessions, coordinated by Leila Middlehurst-Evans from MS Society Cymru, provide a safe and inclusive environment for people with MS to experience the physical and mental benefits of climbing.
This ongoing collaboration exemplifies the strong partnership between Boulders and the charity, demonstrating their shared commitment to improving the lives of those affected by MS. For those interested in participating in the next accessible climbing session on Saturday, 23rd November, please contact Leila Middlehurst-Evans at [email protected] to register your interest.
The youth club chose to support MS Society Cymru as the charity holds a special place in the hearts of the Boulders community. Their successful fundraising effort will contribute to crucial services and research aimed at improving the lives of those living with MS.
Liz Ayres commented: “We’re incredibly proud of ‘The Project’ members for their ongoing dedication to this cause. Their enthusiasm, creativity, and hard work in supporting MS Society Cymru have been truly remarkable year after year. This challenge not only raises significant funds for a vital cause but also helps our young climbers develop important skills in teamwork, perseverance, and community engagement.”
The ‘Climb the Height of Everest’ challenge showcased the youth club’s commitment and creativity. Their achievement highlights the significant impact that young people can have when they engage with local charities and social issues. Donations can still be made through Liz’s JustGiving page.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a condition that affects the brain and spinal cord, impacting about 6,111 people in Wales alone. The funds raised will support crucial services and research to improve the lives of those living with MS.
We encourage everyone to learn more about MS and consider supporting the vital work of MS Society Cymru. Your involvement can make a real difference in the lives of those affected by MS.
For more information about MS Society Cymru or to support their work, please visit mssociety.org.uk/wales or follow facebook.com/msscymru or instagram.com/mssocietycymru
About the MS Society:
The MS Society is a community driven by people living with MS, scientists, campaigners, volunteers, and fundraisers. We understand what life is like with MS, and we support each other through the highs and lows. Together, we are driving research into more – and better – treatments to help people live happier lives.
More than 150,000 people live with MS in the UK. It damages nerves in your body and makes it harder to do everyday things, like walk, talk, eat and think.