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Two Catholic families with young children, from St Benet’s Minster in Beccles, battled heavy rain and wind during their ascent to the top of the highest mountain in the British Isles, in order to raise £1,800 for a charity helping suffering Christians.
Eight members of the Do Rozario and Pampackal families – including a seven-year-old – have raised more than £1,800 from 60 supporters by climbing to the 4,413ft summit of Ben Nevis in Scotland in temperatures just three degrees above freezing.
The daring ascent was part of Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN)’s #TeamRed matched £500k challenge which, if reached, would then raise the total to £3,600.
The family group was inspired to do the challenge by a recent Mass appeal for ACN from fellow St Benet’s parishioner Neville Kyrke Smith, former National Director of ACN.
Fr David Paul, current priest-in-charge of St Benet’s, said: “The two families are very committed members of the church and, after the ACN Appeal from Neville, they were inspired to make this sponsored climb.
“It was a terrific effort and the congregation of St Benet’s are all very proud of them and were very generous in their support.”
Aloma Pampackal, the organiser of the fundraising initiative, said that the group was “driven by a sense of purpose” despite the “harsh conditions”.
Aloma said, on behalf of the team: “There were moments of laughter and camaraderie, but also times of doubt and frustration as the cold, rain, wind, and steep ascent tested our endurance.
“Knowing we were climbing for a cause greater than ourselves – supporting Christian communities in need – gave us the strength to carry on.”
Starting at 8:30am, Aloma said: “the initial part of the climb along the Mountain Track was manageable, and spirits were high as we encouraged one another. However, the weather quickly turned as we ascended.”
She added: “A thick fog rolled in, reducing visibility to a few meters, the temperature dropped to 3°C, and fierce winds up to 56 miles per hour whipped through the air.
“To make matters more challenging, we were soon hit by rain, adding another layer of difficulty to the already tough conditions.”
Aloma explained: “After several gruelling hours, we reached the summit, feeling a mix of relief, pride, and awe, although the intense cold and fog meant we couldn’t stay long.”
She added that the descent was equally challenging, because of “the rocky terrain, rain, and biting winds… Yet, the sense of accomplishment and shared purpose kept our spirits high.”
She said: “After nine hours, we reached the base, exhausted but filled with pride, knowing we had not only conquered Ben Nevis but had done so with a meaningful mission.
“This climb tested our endurance and faith, and we are deeply grateful for the prayers and support that carried us through.”
Aloma said: “Learning about the situations in Nigeria and India deeply touched us. This inspired us to pick ACN for our cause.”
She concluded: “We all look forward to continuing our mission to help those in need through ACN.”
As part of ACN’s #TeamRed matched £500k challenge, all funds raised up to a minimum of £200k will be doubled – thanks to pledges by some of the charity’s top benefactors – in the lead up to #RedWednesday (November 20).
#RedWednesday is ACN’s annual event highlighting the persecution of Christians.
Pictured above are the family team of Marcelino, Judith, Elizabeth, Jermiah, Mary, Aloma, Tony and Joshua with Fr David Paul (left) and Neville Kyrke Smith (right) at St Benet’s, Beccles and, below, on the summit of Ben Nevis.
