Twelve school staff members climbed the equivalent of Mount Everest to raise money for a six-year-old pupil with cancer. Primary school teachers at Ysgol Gymraeg Gilfach Fargod in Caerphilly borough raised more than £2,000 for Dylan Williams – a Year 2 boy who was recently diagnosed with leukaemia – by climbing Pen y Fan 20 times between them.
Starting from Pont ar Daf car park, the total height climbed by the group – 8,920 metres – surpassed the height of Mount Everest, with headteacher Jamie Hallett saying he is “extremely proud” of the effort his staff made. As well as organising the climb, the school’s Christmas fair was set up to raise money for Dylan, which saw pupils and parents contribute to the good cause.
Mr Hallett – who climbed the tallest peak in south Wales four times himself – said: “We felt as a staff that we wanted to do something for Dylan, as so much was done by the children and parents at the Christmas fair. I spoke to [Dylan’s] mam yesterday, and he’s doing poorly at the moment, but I know they’re really thankful for every penny that was donated."
In addition to the climb, Mr Hallett added that Gilfach Fargod’s Parent Teacher Association (PTA) are hoping to come together “after Easter to discuss further ways to help with treatment”. "Dylan is a very happy and popular member of our school family and as a group of staff we were determined to do something to support the family during this difficult time", he added.
Mr Hallett was joined by deputy headteacher Aled Hopton, as well as Amy James, Emily Pash, Cariad Casey, Bethan Chard, Andrea Thompson, Mirain Sellick, Cai Ireland, Rhian Darch, Elenid Marsh and Claire Pugh in completing the challenge.
Dylan’s parents said they “really appreciate” everything the school has done to support his treatment. To get more Caerphilly news straight to your inbox, subscribe to our dedicated newsletter here.
Read next:
Council plans monthly black bin collections and closing children's play areas to save money
The unusual 'house on stilts' offering gorgeous views of the Welsh countryside
First look at new homes for Ukrainian refugees being built in a Welsh town
