On 24 August 2026, former Calday Grange Grammar School CCF cadets Alex, Tom and James began an extraordinary endurance challenge in support of YoungMinds, the UK charity working to improve the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people.
The Snowdon Everest Challenge was originally due to take place on 28 July 2026. However, because of extenuating circumstances, the team had to postpone their attempt until 24 August. This delay did not reduce their determination, and the three young men continued training and preparing themselves for the considerable physical and mental demands ahead.
At just 18 years old, Alex, Tom and James set themselves the ambitious goal of repeatedly climbing Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) using the Llanberis Path. The ultimate challenge was to complete nine summits within 72 hours, achieving a total of 8,848 metres of ascent—the equivalent height of Mount Everest.
The team understood from the outset that this would be an exceptionally difficult undertaking. Repeatedly climbing the mountain would require them to continue through physical fatigue, changing weather conditions, limited rest and periods of darkness. There was also no expectation of perfect mountain conditions, meaning that every stage of the challenge would need to be carefully assessed and completed safely.
Preparation and Determination
Llanberis served as the team’s base throughout the challenge, providing a place for them to rest, refuel, recover and prepare before beginning each new ascent. They followed the Llanberis route on every climb, returning to their base between attempts to reset physically and mentally.
In the months and weeks leading up to the challenge, Alex, Tom and James trained hard to improve their fitness, endurance and ability to continue over long distances. Their preparation reflected the scale of the task they had chosen to undertake and their determination to give themselves the best possible opportunity of reaching their goal.
The challenge was about far more than reaching the summit. It required careful planning, effective teamwork and the ability to remain focused when tired. Each member of the team had to support and encourage the others, particularly during the most demanding stages of the attempt.
Alex and James left Calday CCF this month after completing their A levels, joining Tom as former cadets. Although all three have now completed their time with the Contingent, the qualities developed through their cadet experiences—including resilience, leadership, teamwork, self-discipline and determination—remained clearly evident throughout the challenge.
An Outstanding Achievement
Over the course of 34 hours, the team completed an outstanding:
- Four mountain summits
- 59 kilometres of walking
- 3,990 metres of elevation
- More than 100,000 steps
Completing four ascents of Yr Wyddfa within such a short period was an exceptional physical achievement. The team continued through demanding terrain, darkness, fatigue and changing mountain conditions, repeatedly returning to the Llanberis Path after only limited opportunities to rest and recover.
Their progress required considerable mental strength as well as physical fitness. With every ascent, tiredness would have increased and the challenge of beginning the next climb would have become even greater. Despite this, Alex, Tom and James continued to work together, supporting one another and remaining committed to the purpose behind their challenge.
Unfortunately, conditions deteriorated and a yellow thunderstorm warning was issued. High winds and an increasing risk of lightning meant that continuing on the mountain would have placed the team in unnecessary danger. After 34 hours, the difficult but responsible decision was therefore made to bring the challenge to an early conclusion.
Although the team were understandably unable to complete all nine planned summits, safety had to remain the priority. Mountain conditions can change quickly, and recognising when it is no longer safe to continue is an important part of any outdoor challenge.
The decision to stop does not take away from the scale of their achievement. Covering 59 kilometres, completing four summits, climbing almost 4,000 metres and taking more than 100,000 steps in only 34 hours represents an extraordinary display of endurance, determination and teamwork.
Supporting YoungMinds
Alex, Tom and James undertook the challenge to raise money and awareness for YoungMinds because mental health difficulties affect so many children and young people. As they explained on their fundraising page, most people know someone their age who has struggled with their mental health at some point.
The work carried out by YoungMinds is therefore incredibly important. The charity raises awareness, campaigns for better mental health support and helps young people and their families to find the advice and assistance they need. Most importantly, its work reminds young people experiencing difficulties that they are not alone.
By taking on such a visible and demanding challenge, the team hoped to encourage more conversations about young people’s mental health and inspire others to support this important cause.
They also wanted to highlight the positive role that the outdoors can play in supporting wellbeing. Spending time outside, taking part in physical activity and working towards a shared goal can provide a sense of purpose, help to clear the mind and build confidence and resilience.
The mountains provided a fitting setting for this message. Although the conditions ultimately prevented the team from completing the full challenge, their willingness to keep moving forward through difficulty reflected the determination and perseverance they hoped to inspire in others.
An Incredible Fundraising Total
Through their efforts, Alex, Tom and James have already raised an incredible £1,560 for YoungMinds.
This is a fantastic amount and reflects the generosity of everyone who has supported, encouraged and donated to the team. Every contribution will help YoungMinds continue its vital work supporting young people experiencing mental health challenges and campaigning for a future in which every young person can receive the help they need.
The fundraising remains open, and those wishing to recognise the team’s remarkable achievement can still contribute through their fundraising page.
A Credit to Calday CCF
Everyone at Calday CCF is extremely proud of Alex, Tom and James. At only 18 years old, they set themselves an ambitious challenge, trained hard, pushed themselves beyond their comfort zones and raised a significant amount of money for an important cause.
While the weather prevented them from reaching their original target, their achievement cannot be measured only by the number of summits completed. Their success can also be seen in the awareness they raised, the money they collected and the determination, resilience and friendship they demonstrated throughout the 34 hours.
Their efforts show that the values developed through the CCF continue beyond a cadet’s final parade night. Alex, Tom and James have set an excellent example for our current cadets and demonstrated how courage, teamwork and commitment can be used to make a positive difference to the lives of others.
We congratulate all three young men on an outstanding achievement and thank everyone who has supported them.
Please enjoy a selection of photographs from their challenge, capturing the team during their ascents, the spectacular mountain views they experienced and one of their summit arrivals in the darkness.
Further donations can be made through their fundraising page:
Support the Snowdon Everest Challenge
