Big Steps for Small Feet walkers reach summit of Ben Nevis

Over the past weekend, Held In Our Hearts joined nine other baby loss charities to participate in the ‘Big Steps for Small Feet’ challenge where 106 walkers climbed to the summit of Ben Nevis to raise awareness and show the world that differences can be made when done collectively.

The Big Steps for Small Feet challenge was originally an idea of Michael McGuire from Fort William, in memory of his son Kyle. This then grew into a vision where several baby loss charities could come together, stand at the top of Ben Nevis, see the sun rise, and stand together in unity, strength, and remembrance.

Whilst battling harsh winds, snow, exhaustion, and treacherous terrain, the walkers successfully made it to the summit of Ben Nevis in the early hours of Sunday morning, June 13th.

Held In Our Hearts Fundraising Manager, and ‘Big Steps for Small Feet’ participant, Tracy Watt, said: “‘It was an experience that will never be forgotten. As all 106 participants climbed the mountain we were all united in looking to make a difference in support of baby loss and raising awareness.

“We knew it was not going to be easy but as the weather and terrain changed and nighttime descended we climbed together in support of one another.

“Walking side-by-side as a team was a complete privilege as we talked about our precious sons and daughters’.

Held In Our Hearts are absolutely delighted to have been a part of such a unique experience, and we give a special thank you to our seven inspirational climbers who made the ascent to the top in support of our bereaved families, and in memory of their precious babies.

Caeden’s done it!

Ben Nevis victory for seven year old boy with cerebral palsy

Caeden Thomson (7) from Corby in Northamptonshire has conquered Ben Nevis to raise money for disability equality charity Scope and his local hospital.

The climb in total took 13.5 hours up and down.

Mum Lisa, who along with Caeden’s brother, sister and dad were with him every step of the way, said: “Caeden is an absolute legend. We started at 9am and reached the top at 5.30pm – and got back to the bottom at 10.30pm.

“It was such a massive challenge and much, much harder than any of us expected. There were many hard time along the way – from three quarters of the way up the pathway is just massive boulders and very hard to climb, and even at the top we didn’t think he would make it down.

“There were danger areas where carrying was very difficult, so Caeden did have to walk down a lot of it too. The temperature dropped hugely and many climbers said they were turning back. But we made it!

“We are all super proud of him, he deserves a medal! People we have spoken to at the campsite said they climbed it once and they will never climb it again – we now know why! Last night no-one could move or celebrate, so today we are resting up and will celebrate tonight!! We all love Caeden so much and can’t believe his passion for getting to the top.”

Caeden said: “My body hurts a lot but I’m ok! It was really, really hard! I felt sick and exhausted at the top, and I felt exhausted but happy at the bottom!”

Money raised will give back to the NHS Children’s services and the physiotherapy department at Kettering General Hospital and disability equality charity Scope.

To donate, click here