Cancer patients and their carers from across North Wales will have the opportunity to enjoy this summer’s ‘Snowdon Rocks’ festival atop Mount Snowdon, thanks to the generosity of local Rotary Clubs.
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A specially commissioned Snowdon Mountain Railway ‘Strength Train’, which is being sponsored by Holyhead Rotary Club with the support of other Rotary Clubs in North West Wales, will take around 70 local people living with cancer and healthcare staff to the mountain’s summit, where they will enjoy a festival of music, thanks and remembrance.
Snowdon Rocks, the annual event set up by Welsh rocker and two times cancer survivor, Mike Peters, is now into its ninth year.
The event on June 20, will see hundreds of revellers summit the 1085 metre mountain while enjoying intimate performances along the way from the Alarm front man. The one day festival will also feature presentations by local music groups at Electric Mountain and a ‘Snowdon Rocks’ after party at The Heights, Llanberis.
Since being established Snowdon Rocks has raised over £300,000 to support people with cancer in North Wales.
“Both Mike and I were keen to ensure that local people with cancer, who wouldn’t otherwise be able to take part, had an opportunity to participate in this wonderful occasion,” explained John Chamberlain from the Holyhead Rotary Club.
He added: “Rotary Clubs across North West Wales have a proud history of supporting good local causes, and we’re delighted to be supporting this year’s Snowdon Rocks.”
Money raised through this year’s event will benefit the North Wales NHS Charity, Awyr Las’ ‘By Your Side’ cancer care campaign, which is being spearheaded by Mike Peters. The Dyserth based musician says he is indebted to NHS staff for the cancer care he’s received over the past two decades:
“I’m leading the By Your Side appeal because I want to give back to the healthcare and support staff who have been by my side, and continue to be by my side, throughout my journey with cancer,” explained Peters.
“With the additional support for North Wales’ cancer services which we all raise through ‘By Your Side’ and beyond the appeal, we can help ensure that cancer patients across the region benefit from the very best facilities, equipment and extra services.”
“Snowdon Rocks is always unforgettable and momentous for all of us who take part. It’s a special day of walking, music, remembering loved ones, giving thanks and celebrating together.”
“I’m thrilled that this year many more people living with cancer will be able to enjoy this brilliant day thanks to the generosity of our friends in Rotary Clubs across North West Wales.
“This year Snowdon Rocks offers something for everyone. Anyone touched by cancer can request to be a passenger on the ‘strength train, anyone who can walk up a mountain can register for the walk, and anyone who wants to support local music can come along and enjoy the different young performers in Llanberis.”
This year’s event will feature a ‘Memory Chain’ of flags with messages from people who want to remember loved ones, share memories, give hope and offer thanks to those involved in cancer care in North Wales. For a suggested donation of £5, your personal note will be inscribed on a prayer flag and linked with others.
Snowdon Rocks is open to people of all ages and abilities. Those interested in taking part can register here (link). For more information about the Strength Train (free of charge, tickets are available on a first come, first served basis) and the Memory Chain, please call Patrick from Awyr Las on 01248 384395 or go to www.byyoursideappeal.org .
