Dorset family complete Snowdon challenge in memory of Community First Responder
Loved ones of Rhys Jones took on the epic fundraiser
The family and friends of a Dorset Community First Responder (CFR) have climbed a mountain while wearing a full emergency response kit in his memory.
Rhys Jones, who was a volunteer CFR in Blandford, Hamworthy and Poole, died in October 2021.
Before he took his own life, he'd planned to raise money for the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust charity by summiting Snowdon in Wales.
His loved ones decided to take on the challenge to honour him, and support the organisation.
They raised a total of ÂŁ8,206.47 after battling gruelling weather conditions during the climb.
Two of the eight people who reached the top carried a 10.5kg (23 lb) emergency response kit all the way up too, making the challenge even harder.
Rhys' father Nigel Jones, from Poole, says:
“We are so incredibly proud to be able to have honoured Rhys in such a special way. He was committed to his role as a CFR, and was always willing to help his community and the ambulance service, no matter the ask or the time of day.
"He was also keen to raise awareness of the important work they do in the community and to attract more people into the role.
“I know that he would be so pleased that we have been able to complete the challenge, raising money which will help CFRs deliver their vital role to patients."
What's a CFR?
They're members of the public, trained by the ambulance service, who volunteer in their local community by attending emergency calls and providing care ahead of an ambulance's arrival.
They support a wide range of patients, including those experiencing medical emergencies such as a heart attack, stroke or cardiac arrest.
Zoe Larter, head of the South Western Ambulance Charity, says:
“We are hugely grateful to Nigel, Lisa, Lorraine and all of Rhys’ family, friends and colleagues for their amazing achievements and magnificent donation.
“During their epic climb, the weather threw everything at them and they did a really great job.
“The money they raised will be used to purchase two Raizer Lifting Chairs and will also contribute towards fuel costs for the six group CFR cars that we will be purchasing with funding from an NHS Charities Together grant.
“I know that Rhys was passionate about the responder role and making sure the best equipment was available to help patients, and so we hope he would be proud of what his family has been able to achieve.”