David's recovery trek up Snowdon/Yr Wyddfa

My Journey & My Challenge

In December 2019, my life changed forever—I suffered a double stroke I was rushed to UHCW Hospital in Coventry after three months in a coma, I eventually woke up, in the mist of the pandemic I caught Covid twice but was privileged as I was already in hospital, I was put on a ventilator twice but I have no memories of this. I was bedbound from the stroke. With no movement in my legs and barely any in my arms, I was told I’d never walk again. Eventually in June came a small miracle. After a cranioplasty, I woke up able to move my fingers, arms and legs, but after being bedbound for a year I couldn’t walk yet, but it meant rehab with the physio team could finally begin. after a few weeks I was eventually transferred to the rehab centre hospital CERU in Warwickshire. Where I learned how to use a one arm self propelled wheelchair I was later discharged into a specialised rehab centre for neuro and spinal injuries. At Helen Ley (part of Castel Froma) in Leamington Spa, where an incredible team of therapists helped me learn to walk and dress myself again in 2022. Imagine that being able to go to the loo on my own after 3 years! simple things we enjoy. After a year using a wheelchair. A few months later I was finally discharged into a supported living facility in November 2023. I started volunteering in May 24 at a charity shop-Mind the mental health charity, which was key from a social and self-belief point of view, now a great team of people who helped me learn new sklils and get that feeling back of being worthwhile at doing something. Now I am keen to take on this next challenge.

Climbing Snowdon in May 2025

Not by train of course but walking up via the Llanberis Path! I dont think I can follow the Cryb Goch Ridge just yet, as much as I would love it but, this will be for another day.

I’m doing this to raise funds for the two charities that helped me rebuild my life slowly:
✅ Helen Ley (Castel Froma) – Helped me rebuild my mobility and regain independence. Although It is not a charity per say, the money raised for the charity element organises outings for the residents which are greatly appreciated whatever the weather.
✅ Coventry, Warwickshire and Worcestershire Mind – Supported my mental health and gave me that opportunity to feel like working normally through volunteering.

Every donation will be split equally to help others facing neurological and mental health challenges.

I don't want to start to turn this into some kind of award ceremony because it isn't but I want to express my gratitude to the teams at the NHS of course, family and friends who stood by me, you know who you are, Castelfroma for the quality of their teams and constant support and Mind of course for taking me on board and provide me with belief I could do things again.

My eternal gratitude to all of you. Thank you.

Let’s make this climb count—thank you for your support! 💙🏔️