Gruelling 4,400ft climb raises funds for persecuted Christians

Do Rozario and Pampackal families on top of Ben Nevis © Aloma Pampackal

Source: Aid to the Church in Need

Two families with young children battled heavy rain and wind during their ascent to the top of the highest mountain in the British Isles, in order to raise funds 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 as of today (Thursday, 5th September) from 60 supporters by climbing the 4,413ft summit 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.

Aloma Pampackal, the organiser of the fundraising initiative told ACN that the group was "driven by a sense of purpose" despite the "harsh conditions".

Mrs Pampackal 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.

Members of the families told ACN that knowing they were climbing for a cause greater than themselves - supporting Christian communities in need - gave them the strength to carry on.

Mrs Pampackal said that, starting at 8:30am, 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."

Mrs Pampackal 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."

The families told ACN they felt inspired to take part in the climbing challenge after hearing about ACN during a Mass appeal.

Mrs Pampackal 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 (20th November 2024).

#RedWednesday is ACN's annual event highlighting the persecution of Christians.

LINK

Aid to the Church in Need: www.acnuk.org