Ben Shaw's Welsh 1000m Peaks Race

When my nephew, Isaac, died at only 10 years old, the family was devastated. We did our best to support his mum, Vicky, and his 3-year-old brother, Archie, with the little tools we had, but we couldn't provide the professional help they needed.

Once Upon A Smile was introduced to us, and they made dealing with grief a bit more manageable. Vicky, my sister-in-law, has been an ambassador for the charity ever since, raising hundreds of thousands of pounds which goes towards helping countless families and children.

As it approaches what would have been his 18th birthday, I wanted to mark it in a special way, so I decided to tackle the TEC Snowdonia Spring Crossing with the hopes of raising at least £3,000.

As you know, this was cancelled due to extreme weather but I didn't want to let my training or your donations go to waste!

So, I found myself an even harder challenge...

About The Route

Founded in 1971, the long course starts at the sea and after crossing the windswept wilderness of the Carneddau and the rocky moonscape of the Glyderau, it finishes on Yr Wyddfa the highest mountain in England and Wales.

The route takes in the five peaks of Snowdonia exceeding one vertical kilometre. This is a gruelling challenge which at 30 km and 2500 metres of climb is a tremendous test of strength, endurance and navigational skills.

The Welsh 1000s remains one of the most challenging races in the UK crossing some very technical terrain.

All courses ascend the Gribin Ridge in the Ogwen Valley. This section of the route requires a head for heights and the use of hands for support.

Thank you so much for your support!

Ben x

A message from Vicky, Isaac's mum:

We lost Isaac on August 22nd, 2015. He died of an acute and severe asthma attack suddenly at home. The Vicky Maley I was went with him on that night. My life and my family's life changed in that one split second. You pray and hope that things like this will never happen to you, but it does. It is called life! You can choose to live, or you can choose to give up. For Isaac and my family, I decided to live!

Once Upon a Smile has been a huge part of that choice. When I met Kelly and learned more about what the charity does for bereaved families, I knew I had to help.

A message from the charity:

Once Upon a Smile provides emotional and practical support to bereaved families to adjust to a new life without their loved ones. We offer a variety of support to families through such a difficult time - not only are we unique in this way, but we also tailor the support we provide to families to fit their individual needs.