A MAN who runs a wellbeing centre in Rhos-on-Sea was part of a team helping two disabled people ascend Yr Wyddfa.
Adam White, who is in charge of the CXF Wellbeing fitness centre at The Old Pump House along with Daniel Harrison, led the walk up the mountain range yesterday (June 28).
Of the two men they were helping, one, Ian Wood, is visually impaired and has a degenerative disease which has left him wheelchair-bound, while the other, Jon Westerby, is entirely blind.
He said: “I don’t really know where to start - what an amazing achievement for Ian and Jon and the team.
“Ian, in a wheelchair, and Jon, who is totally blind, tackled the inclement weather conditions to make it to the summit.
“Ian used a mountain wheelchair with various attachments, and Jon used his stick and guides to negotiate the technical and steep parts of the track.
“It was great to sit back and watch everyone pull together and keep pushing forwards.
“The weather was pretty horrific at the top, which made it even more challenging, but that wasn't enough to stop.
“Ian and Jon’s courage and determination inspired us all to move the best we can, with whatever we have going on.”
The walk also helped Adam raise awareness of “MATES”, a mental health group he was involved in creating.
Meeting one Tuesday a month at L’s Coffee and Book Shop on High Street, Conwy, “MATES” is now in its second year.
Adam leads it along with Steve Jones, a paramedic who attends his fitness centre, and Gavin Lavin, a Mochdre-based boxing coach.
The name “MATES” is an acronym – standing for motivation, awareness, teamwork, empathy and support.
Previously, he told the Pioneer: “We normally get between four and 10 people turning up, which might not sound ground-breaking, but you can imagine how difficult it is for people to come into a space like that, open up and feel safe.
“We have all been affected by the struggles over the years with our jobs and personal circumstances, so we meet up once a month on a Tuesday at L’s and have tea, coffee and cake.
“It is a non-judgemental, safe space for individuals to talk, and a place where we raise awareness by discussing certain topics that can help these individuals.”
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