Hundreds join Mike on hike and gig for cancer charity
HUNDREDS of people have taken part in a hike in Snowdonia to raise funds for Mike Peters’ cancer charity, Love Hope and Strength.
More than 500 people joined Mike and his wife Jules, both cancer survivors, and their sons Evan and Dylan on the hike from Bethesda to Cwm Idwal and back. During the hike they stopped a few times for Mike and his musician friends to give impromptu concerts.
They returned to Bethesda after a scenic walk from Ogwen Cottage to the dramatic amphitheatre of Cwm Idwal.
The charity Love Hope Strength, founded by Mike and Jules 13 years ago, raises funds for cancer services across North Wales. For the first decade the charity organised Snowdon Rocks, which involved a hike up Wales’ highest mountain, but last year it established Snowdonia Rocks and ZipRoc Festival.
The evening gig featured The Alarm, Miles Hunt of the Wonderstuff, Maffia Mr Huws, Celt, Bryn Fôn, Elin Fflur and a host of other bands and choirs.
Mike said: “I’m so pleased these fantastic acts want to be part of this, and help bring people together and raise money to support Love Hope Strength’s mission to save lives one concert at a time.”
Before the walkers set off, the new Betsi Rock Choir, made up of former patients and staff at Ysbyty Gwynedd, sang on the big stage set up at Zip World.
Then Ysbyty Gwynedd haematology doctor Sally Evans undertook the first of three special challenges by having her head shaved. She later did the hike and a zipwire descent.
The doctor, who has already raised more than £2,600, said: “I never cease to be humbled by the strength, warmth and generosity of the people I meet and would like to give something back, above and beyond what can be delivered through the NHS itself.”