Climbing Snowdon for Micheala

Image courtesy of Josh Finch

Some stories deserve to be told because they remind us what strength really looks like.

This is one of them.

‍For the Finch family, their upcoming climb of Snowdon is about far more than completing a mountain challenge. It is about family, remembrance, resilience, and raising money for charities that helped them through one of the hardest times of their lives.

The family are taking on the challenge in memory of Micheala Finch, a much-loved mum, relative, and friend. Someone whose absence is still deeply felt every day. The date of the climb carries even more meaning, as it would have been Micheala’s 60th birthday.

Instead of allowing the day to be defined only by grief, the family chose to turn it into something positive.

Josh, who organised the family climb, said he felt like he had a choice:

“I could either sit and feel sorry for myself that my mum isn’t here anymore, or I could do something in memory of her.”

That decision became a fundraising climb up Snowdon.

It’s a powerful reminder that sometimes the greatest motivation in life comes from the people we wish were still beside us.

A Family Effort

Alongside Josh, climbing Snowdon will be his dad Nigel, his brothers Adam and Connah, and wider family and friends who want to support the cause and honour Micheala together. ‍What started as an idea has grown into something much bigger, a shared act of love and remembrance, but also an event of solidarity for everyone affected by suicide.

The Finch family want to open conversations around mental health and raise awareness of suicide bereavement - something Josh feels many people still struggle to talk about.

Image courtesy of Josh Finch

They have made the walk open to anyone affected by mental health struggles, suicidal thoughts, or bereavement, inviting others to join them in support and solidarity.

They have also partnered with the Life to Life organisation and will be wearing hoodies carrying the message:

“The world’s a better place because you’re in it.”

For the Finch family, reaching the summit together will mean more than completing a physical challenge. It will represent unity, strength, and the bond they continue to carry forward.

“I know when me, my dad and my brothers get to the top of Snowdon together, she would be very proud. I can almost picture her smiling from heaven and saying, ‘That’s my boys.’”

Raising Money for Charities That Change Lives

‍The family are fundraising for two charities that made a real difference during an incredibly difficult period:

SOBS (Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide) – a support network helping people affected by suicide loss, connecting them with others who understand their experience.

Suicide&Co – a charity providing bereavement counselling and practical support for people navigating grief after suicide.

Josh spoke openly about how vital these support services were after losing his mum. How grief can feel isolating, and how finding people who truly understood what he was going through helped him through some very dark moments.

That honesty is one of the reasons this fundraiser matters so much. It is not only about raising money but also about raising awareness, encouraging conversation, and showing others that support exists.

Training for Snowdon

Preparation for the climb has become a family effort in itself.

Josh has been walking to work several times a week, hiking regularly, taking regular 10k walks with the dogs and his partner, and tackling the Wainwright routes in the Lake District with close friends. Other family members have also been training through walks, runs, and gym sessions to build fitness ahead of the challenge.

And like many worthwhile challenges in life, the preparation often changes you before the event even begins.

Just the Tip of the Iceberg

Beyond fundraising, Josh has been working with local NHS hospitals and the government to help bring about change in how suicide is handled and in the impact it has on families. Hoping for a reality where charities won’t be needed to help those greatly affected, because the systems would be in place for them.

For now, though, the support of charities like SOBS and Suicide and Co. is greatly appreciated by many, with people like Josh and his family willing to give back.

Over £6,000 Raised for Suicide Bereavement Charities

What began with an initial fundraising target of £400 became something far bigger than the Finch family ever expected.

On 24th May, alongside friends, relatives, and supporters, the family successfully completed their Snowdon climb in memory of Michaela, raising more than £6,000 for charities supporting those affected by suicide, bereavement and mental health struggles.

More than a dozen people joined the walk, turning the challenge into a powerful show of solidarity, remembrance, and community support.

Throughout the journey, the family remained open about why the challenge mattered so much to them, helping create conversations around mental health, grief, and suicide bereavement that are often difficult for people to speak about openly.

What started as a way to honour Michaela’s memory became something that clearly resonated with many others too.

From everyone at Fitasylum, we want to say a huge congratulations to the Finch family and everybody involved in the challenge. Raising over £6,000 for such important causes is an incredible achievement, and we’re proud to have shared their story.