Climbing New Heights for St Ann’s
A local event organiser will be scaling new heights as she attempts to climb Snowdon for charity – without leaving her house.
Resourceful Via Culpan, 24 from Sale, came up with the unusual idea to raise funds for St Ann’s Hospice during lockdown, as a way to thank the charity for the care given to her grandfather.
Her challenge will see her use the staircase of her one-bedroom flat to walk 9 miles – the equivalent of the Llanberis Path to the Snowdon summit – in just one day to raise money for the charity.
My grandad was cared for by St Ann’s at the end of his life thirteen years ago, and our family have never forgotten the amazing support we were all given, even at such a young age. I have always felt a connection to the hospice since then, and was lucky enough to successfully apply for a job in the Fundraising team there in March this year. Via Culpan, Events Assistant
I wasn’t expecting a global pandemic to take place after a week or two of being in my new role, but it’s actually been an amazing experience in many ways in that everyone in the team has pulled together and has had to work in lots of ways they wouldn’t normally. Despite being an event organiser, I’ve also been manning reception, which has really helped me get to know some of the patients and their families too. It’s incredible to have that chance, and seeing a smile on their faces despite it being such a difficult time makes me feel so proud to work for St Ann’s. Via Culpan, Events Assistant
At St Ann’s we offer care for patients with cancer and other life-limiting illnesses from our three hospice sites in Heald Green, Little Hulton, and The Neil Cliffe Centre in Wythenshawe Hospital, as well as via a range of community and outreach services. Around a third of our funding comes from the NHS, with the rest raised from donations and other kind support from the local community.
It’s been great to see so many people fundraising for the hospice, even when there’s so much else going on in the world, and it really got me thinking…if an 80 year old can manage a 10km and raise money for us, I can do something too, no matter how much of a couch potato I am! Via Culpan, Events Assistant
I’ve worked out that if I’m able to walk up and down my staircase 1,333 times, it will be equal to walking 20,000 steps, which is the same as walking to the top of Snowdon and back down again. I’ve never done anything like this before, and will be completing the challenge on Facebook Live on Saturday 23 May, which is the day that marks 13 years since my grandad’s passing at St Ann’s. I’m hoping to raise a minimum of £1,300 for my incredible workplace in my grandad’s memory, and welcome all donations or shares of my social media posts to help me achieve my goal. Via Culpan, Events Assistant
To sponsor Via, please visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/vc-snowdon