Banbury teacher to take on Wales' highest mountain in the pitch black in memory of daughter
A teacher from Banbury has challenged herself to hike up Mount Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) in the pitch black to mark the anniversary of her daughter's death.
Karen Hancox’s daughter, Kayleigh, tragically passed away as a baby 18 years ago.
Since the tragedy, Karen has worked tirelessly to raise awareness of baby loss and helped raise funds for Sands (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Charity).
To mark the milestone of Kayleigh's 18th anniversary, Karen, along with Christopher Horne, a senior gardener at Blenheim Palace, will climb Mount Yr Wyddfa in the dark.
Karen will raise money for Sands when she and Christopher take on the unique eight-hour nighttime hike on May 9.
Speaking about the upcoming hike, she said: “This is dedicated to Kayleigh’s 18th birthday year, a whole childhood of missed milestones and wondering who and what she would have been. A forever hole in my heart. Always loved, never forgotten.”
Whilst many families are celebrating Mother’s Day on Sunday (March 15), Sands urges people to remember the babies who have sadly died and spare a thought for the bereaved mothers they leave behind.
A spokesperson for the charity said: “Training is in progress by the pair of brave hikers, and they are very grateful that fundraising has passed the halfway mark. “They are asking if anyone can spare just a couple of pounds for Sands to help reach their target.
“The aim is to raise a total of £1800, £100 for each of Kayleigh's 18 years.”
To support Karen’s fundraising effort, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/kayleigh18