6-year-old Emma Cadwallader from Stourbridge climbed Cadair Idris (2927ft/893m) with her mum and dad, raising money in memory of her grandmother. We spoke to Emma and mum Lisa.
Why did you and Emma want to do this Lisa?
Lisa – Mum was my best friend. We had a lot of fun together and our weekends were always spent out walking until her pancreatic cancer got too bad. She was my inspiration and we wanted to raise money for the local hospice where mum worked for 15 years. We wanted Emma to see just how brave she could be.
Emma – She was really, really kind. She used to give me lots of cuddles and kisses. I really loved her. And I wanted to find the cloud that Nanna lives on, so I wanted to go up high.
How did you train for it?
Lisa – I spent a lot of time in the gym on the treadmill. I wanted to make sure I was fit enough to carry Emma, if I had to!
Emma – Doing bike riding and lots of walking, and eating lots of healthy food, because that makes you fit.
Why did you choose Cadair Idris and which way did you go up it?
Lisa – I love it. I love the shape of it, and the area is just full of happy childhood memories. We followed the Pony Path, as we thought
it was the easiest option for Emma.
What was the climb like?
Lisa – Wet, cold and windy! We couldn’t have picked a worse day to go. But Emma was amazing. To keep going, even though she was soaked and freezing was amazing.
Emma – It was good but very wet. I remember the black slugs on the mountain. They must be Welsh slugs.
What were both your spirits like?
Lisa – It was hard to keep cheerful as we got wetter and wetter. A quarter of the way from the top I had to pull myself together, as I was in tears! I felt like the worst mum in the world! Then Emma had a chat to me and reminded me Nanna never gave up. Most of the people we passed took the time to speak to Emma, and ask how old she was, and say ‘well done’ to her, which helped a lot. By the time we turned for home, we were in great spirits. We sang and giggled all the way down.
Emma – I was a bit scared at the top, because there was a ledge on the left and I was scared I would fall off.
Who was the most puffed out, Emma?
Emma – Daddy!
And how did you feel at the top?
Emma – Good. Very proud, and mummy was proud of me too. I didn’t even cry.
Is there anything you wish you had packed?
Lisa – More clothes. Dry socks. The weather made a mockery of our waterproofs!
Do you think you want to climb more mountains after this one?
Emma – Yes. I want to go to Snowdon and the Scotland mountain to see the
snow on the top.
Lisa – We will go back and climb Cadair Idris again this summer, but on a good day!
What do you both like about walking?
Lisa – It’s an essential part of my wellbeing. It’s so therapeutic – the silence and the space.
Emma – There are lots of lovely things to see, and I learned about plants, trees and animals.
What did you learn about getting Emma motivated to complete a walk like this?
Lisa – She’s involved in planning – then is in charge of directions. She can be bribed with treats. If she moans, a distraction is needed!
