On the night of September 20th, to the early morning of the 21st, 41 brave Emperor’s penguins and their families embarked on a remarkable journey to conquer Mount Snowdon or Yr Wyddfa as its locally called. Starting at 2am and finishing at 9:30am, this adventure was in support of the Emperor Foundation’s chosen charity, PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide. There couldn't be a more deserving cause. The group envisioned a peaceful sunrise moment, sipping tea on picnic blankets at the summit. However, reality had other plans. They faced 50mph winds, pitch darkness, and a full-body workout they hadn’t fully anticipated. It was less of a “gentle hike” and more of an “epic battle against the elements.” The group camaraderie, sheer willpower, and occasional “are we nearly there yet” moments carried them to the 3,560 ft summit.

The Journey Begins

The night was filled with anticipation as the group gathered at the base of Snowdon, with our bodies shouting, “I should be in bed now.” Equipped with headlamps and layers of warm clothing, we set off into the darkness. The initial steps were filled with excitement and chatter, but as the climb progressed, the reality of the challenge set in.

Battling the Elements

As the hours passed, the group faced relentless winds and the chill of the night. The darkness was profound, with only the small halo of their headlamps cutting through the darkness. Each step required careful navigation, and the physical exertion was immense. Yet, the spirit of the group remained unbroken. Encouragement and support flowed freely, with each member determined to reach the summit.

Reaching the Summit

After hours of climbing, the summit was finally in sight. The sense of accomplishment and pride was overwhelming. Despite the harsh conditions, we had made it. The sunrise, though not as peaceful as envisioned, was a testament to their perseverance.

Descending and Reflecting

The descent offered a chance to reflect on the journey. The stunning landscapes unfolded before us, with daylight coming through to finally see the land that we had scaled, providing moments of awe. The camaraderie built during the climb was evident, with shared stories and dare we say delirium marking the way down.

Impact and Awareness

The success of the climb was measured not just in the physical achievement but in the impact it had. Raising £55,114 for PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide was a significant milestone. The funds would support 5,514 helpline calls, providing crucial support to those in need. Additionally, the event raised awareness for the charity, highlighting the importance of mental health and suicide prevention.

Conclusion

The Emperor Climbs for Hope – Snowdon at Night was more than just a physical challenge. It was a journey of resilience, camaraderie, and purpose. The funds raised and the awareness generated will have a lasting impact, supporting PAPYRUS in their mission to prevent young suicide. This adventure, though tough, was a testament to the strength and determination of the Emperor’s penguins and their supportive loved ones. We are really proud of our collective achievements.

Our Penguin quotes

Sarah Edwards - Head of Finance: “Honestly one of the best things I've ever done! Was the climb a challenge ... yes (!) but being able to do it alongside colleagues and as part of a team raising money for such a fantastic and meaningful cause made it even more special. So proud of the team and how much Emperor raised for PAPYRUS!”

Helen Bull - Presentations Specialist: “For someone who's never fundraised or really hiked before, it was tough but ridiculously rewarding! I connected with people who I’ve never spoken to, got in 35,000 steps, battled horrendous weather and was so unbelievably tired but it was SO WORTH IT. Our team was great and kept spirits high for each other and also strangers we passed in the pitch black, the way down was stunning, and I would do it again no question.”

Scott Shillum - Strategic Communications consultant: “Hiking to the summit of Mount Snowdon and down again at night in a howling wind and a swirling pea soup fog was one of the hardest but most rewarding challenges of my life. Collectively raising over £50,000 for Papyrus made it all worthwhile.”

Julie Cheng - Account Director: “The Snowdon overnight hike in the dark was not what I expected and it absolutely was the hardest thing I've ever done. The stunning scenery was nowhere to be seen, the weather was not kind. It was scary. Thinking back, it was nothing compared to what goes through people's mind when they were suicidal. I felt humbled by the experience and felt blessed that I could contribute to the important work that PAPYRUS is doing.”

James Wrighton - Senior Designer: “Climbing Mount Snowdon at night with the rest of the team from Emperor was an absolutely exhilarating experience, despite the horrendous weather. The wind howled around us, and the rain lashed down, making every step feel like a battle against the elements. But that only added to the thrill—the sheer challenge of pushing through the darkness, guided by our head torches and the determination of the team, gave me an incredible buzz. The camaraderie was unbeatable, with everyone supporting each other as we navigated the treacherous paths.”