A GROUP of walkers from all over Pembrokeshire tackled Snowdon to raise funds for the Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Trust.

The event was organised by 22-year-old CF patient Sophie Pierce of Haverfordwest, who lead the intrepid party of 33 to the summit of Wales’ highest peak.

The group set off from Haverfordwest at 4.30am, on a coach paid for by Sophie’s mum, and made the 975m climb after a five hour journey to Llanberis.

The event made well over its £1000 target, and with donations still coming in the total is nearing £2500.

“It was a brilliant day,” said Sophie. “I am overwhelmed by the support the climb received from those who came and climbed and from those who sponsored. The day itself was a long one but most definitely worth it. For me the achievement hit home when a stranger on the summit handed me a donation and congratulated me when he saw us having our summit photograph.”

The walkers enjoyed excellent weather, and were entertained along the way by Shelby the Snail – a costumed Liam Hewer – who claimed to be the first snail to climb a mountain!

Bottled water and snacks for the climb were donated by Tesco Milford Haven and Morrisons Haverfordwest.

“I want to say a huge thank you to all who dug deep to sponsor and an even bigger thank you to all those who suffered achy legs to stand on the summit in support of the CF Trust,” said Sophie. “Without them the event could not have taken place and we would not have raised an incredible amount of money.”

Pembrokeshire CF Trust branch chairman Sybil Edwards, who walked a little way with the group to see them on their way, described the sponsored climb as “a wonderful effort”.

“Thanks to the support received, all the sponsorship is going directly to the work of the Trust,” she said.

“Sophie is an inspiration to our CF families as well as a great fund raiser . Two years ago she brought in £2,000 when she climbed Kilimanjaro and she is already thinking up her next challenge. Be warned! She will be calling on you to get involved.”