Nathan Boulton-Smith

Eleven year old Nathan Boulton-Smith and two of his friends, Conor Lynch and Robbie White, climbed Mount Snowdon to raise money for Daisy's Dream and CALM, a charity working to prevent male suicide. The boys embarked on this incredible challenge in memory of Nathan's Dad, who took his own life on 15th May 2015.  

On 2nd April 2016, the boys (accompanied by Nathan's Mum, Auntie and friends) set off on their adventure to conquer the 1,085m mountain. Unrelenting rain, hail, and strong winds made the difficult climb even trickier and, on the advice of more experienced climbers, the boys were advised to turn back just 30 minutes from the summit amidst concerns for their safety.  

"They carried on until the winds got so strong it was scary, and the decision was made that they could go no further and we had to turn around. Nathan got very upset and cried all the way down the mountain. I reassured him that his dad would have been so proud and wouldn’t have wanted him to come to any harm. As we drove the long journey home, Nathan was very quiet and promised himself that he would go back and reach the summit, which I agreed he could do."

Rebecca Boulton-Smith, Nathan's Mum

Determined to raise at least £2,000 the boys had not only garnered sponsorship for their climb, but had also organised a Fun Day at The Gardeners Arms in Emmer Green with the help of family and friends. Their efforts certainly paid off - with the final fundraising total coming in at an outstanding £5,206.04. The money was split between the two charities, and Daisy's Dream received a fabulous £2,672.62.

But Nathan wasn't done; true to his word, he asked if he could go back in the summer hoildays to complete the walk, and four months later, on 13th August 2016 he did just that.

"When we crossed the railway track at the top, Nathan got this burst of energy and just went for it straight to the top. I had tears in my eyes, it was an emotional moment. I was so proud of him, he had conquered what he had set out to do in memory of his dad and for the money he had raised with his friends to help people in need."

Rebecca Boulton-Smith, Nathan's Mum

Since completing his climb, Nathan has been awarded Young Person of the Year Award in the 2016 Pride of Reading Awards.  He was nominated by an anonymous well-wisher and is said to have been "shocked, surprised and chuffed" with his nomination.