Biggleswade scout's Snowdonia challenge in honour of school teacher who fought brain tumour

Benji Cox took on his Welsh 3000 Adventure to raise money for The National Brain Appeal as a thank you to the support they gave his teacher, Mrs Walker, when she had a brain tumour.

Benji has hearing loss and needed extra support at Everton Heath Primary school, with Mrs Walker being key to his recent progression during the pandemic.

Benji, who turned 11 on the day after his challenge, said: “Mrs Walker is a very special person to me, she has been there for me in my time of need like The Brain Appeal were for her in her time of need.

"I am doing this adventure as a thank you to Mrs Walker and also to the National Brain Appeal.”

With plenty of social media coverage and sponsorship flowing in, Benji was spotted at the National Outdoor Expo earlier this year at the NEC in Birmingham by the team from The National Outdoor Centre, Plas Y Brenin, which is based in the heart of Snowdonia.

Taken with his story and all his Cub Scout badges, the team took him under their wing to ensure he had an amazing few days up in the mountains under their expert guidance.

Alongside the Plas Y Brenin team were David Liddle, from South London Scouts and Benji's mum, Lucy, who is also a leader at Biggleswade Scout Group.

Hitting the peaks and ticking off some big names such as Tryfan and Yr Wyddfa(Snowdon), Benji has managed to raise just over £600 so far.

He said: “My favourite peak was Tryfan, and I got to do lots of scrambling!”

The adventure culminated in a special celebration for Benji’s 11th birthday.

However, the sky’s the limit for Benji as he has been invited back to Plas Y Brenin in the near future to maintain his links with them for lots more future adventures!

Benji added that he would like to thank everyone for their donations and support, as well as Mountain Warehouse (Biggleswade), Cotswold, and Ellis Brigham for sponsoring his kit, and a huge thank you to everyone at Plas Y Brenin.

There is still time to sponsor him before his page officially closes: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/benjiswelsh3000challenge