Ysbyty Gwynedd Doctor to take on Wales' 15 highest peaks to thank firefighter charity

29 June, 2023

A doctor at Ysbyty Gwynedd is set to take on the Welsh 3000s Challenge in aid of The Firefighters Charity, as a thank you to her local firefighters who helped her family following a house fire.

Over 29-30 June, Consultant Gastroenterologist, Dr Rachel Newbould, will climb Wales’ 15 highest peaks within 24 hours – an impressive 3,700m of climbing.

She said: “It’s something I’ve always wanted to do but because I have a three-year-old, I haven’t been out in the mountains as much as I’d like.

“I’ve recently got back into walking with a friend and have been thinking about it for the last few months again.

“On 4 May we had a house fire. Luckily it wasn’t too dramatic and we’re just about sorted again now with heating and a cooker back in the house.

“It was a fault related to the oil-fired Rayburn that caught fire. Luckily it remained fairly contained, but the Rayburn did the water, the cooking, the heating, everything.

“My partner, my son and my mum were in at the time…I was out with friends, which hardly ever happens with a busy family life! I had loads of missed calls and I had visions of all sorts, but luckily the fire crews came quickly.

“We were so grateful that everything was fine and the whole crew were so amazing with my son, Jack – he had the best night ever. We worried he’d be traumatised because of the smoke and everything but they distracted him and entertained him which really helped.”

Dr Newbould and her family wished to give back to the firefighters who helped them and heard she was able to do this through The Fire Fighters Charity.

She added: “I hadn’t heard of the charity before but I think it’s important that the public know about it – it’s there helping people that help us on a daily basis.”

To support Rachel’s fundraiser, click here