In April 2004, I was asked by my friend Dot if I would be interested in joining Mike Smith in the Snowdonia challenge, she told me that the RAF would be carrying me around Snowdonia in a wheelchair, it took me 2 seconds to think about it “oh yes please” I replied, the thought of all those hunkie RAF men carrying me around Snowdonia, helping me to see sights I would never normally be able to see was like a dream come true. Then reality hit me, this was my incentive to lose some unwanted pounds I have been trying to lose all year. The thought of those poor men having to carry around all of my excess baggage, gave me all the encouragement to lose weight. In total I have lost exactly one stone, so I have to thank Dot the RAF men and the challenge for the help that they gave me.

My wheelchair was all fixed up and we were off, I had never done anything like this before and really had no idea what to expect.  They lifted me up so easy, we were given a charter map to read and plan the route, I had a look, personally I hadn’t a clue !! but being with RAF I had no need to worry.  One of the RAF Cosford riggers set off ahead to feel the ground and report back to the carriers on what they would expect on every step along the way. The first part of the journey was very relaxing, and as we started our steady ascent I began to see just what problems we would encounter.  The weather was clear and bright and was on our side to begin with, we hit trees with branches bigger than me, but I felt very secure and protected, every branch twig was moved away from me, I felt like a precious jewel in their protection. The further along we got the harder it was, I was lifted over the gates, I felt like I was a princess on a magical carpet ride around Snowdonia. Suddenly it got darker and denser and we heard screams and grunts from carriers in other teams in front of us, then it hit us what they were all shouting about, mud !! two feet deep - stinking - clinging mud, I still felt safe but my heart did go out for my carriers, who were getting stuck. Their boots just held fast in the mud, the leader had to come and lift people out, squelch !!! oh dear! There were two stops along the way, each offering liquid refreshments and a slice of Mars Bar, they were very welcoming stops too. Back into the dark forest we went, in total it took the Cosford Riggers three and a half hour’s to do the 6mile trek, some doing! As we got near the end there was a treat in store for the men, they had to swim the river to collect a document to say that they had completed the course, and what a splashing time they had !! each one ducking the other - that was their treat.  They had all volunteered to do this trek -  a wonderful time was had by one and all. 

After photos were taken, the boys went for a long cold BEER,  the partying went on throughout the night and the early morning. They were all perfect gentlemen, I cannot thank them enough for their time, effort and hard work.  Well done guys !! from me, and all at Wolverhampton ARMS Centre.  Thank you! You brave COSFORD RIGGERS.