AN Oxfordshire RAF Air Traffic Controller is preparing to climb Mount Snowdon with his son – who is just three years old.
Air Force Sergeant Jon Burt-Matthews, who is based at RAF Benson near Wallingford, is set to take on the nine-mile walk tomorrow, with son Harry.
The pair will be part of an expected group of 70 – including 18 children – attempting to conquer Wales’ tallest mountain to raise money for military charity Little Troopers.
Mr Burt-Matthews said: “I’m hoping Harry will do a good amount of walking otherwise he’ll be on my back. He was definitely a lot lighter when I signed up for the challenge.”
Harry is one of two toddlers attempting the climb to an altitude of 975 metres. Also in Sgt Burt-Matthews's group will be Flight Sergeant Matt Lingham, whose daughter Poppy is also three.
Little Troopers is the first tri-service charity providing support to children with a serving parent. It began with a sponsored climb of Mount Snowdon in 2011.
The event has been replicated every other year and become an important fundraiser.
Sgt Burt-Matthews added: “Having spent six and a half years previously posted to the Control Tower at RAF Valley I had always wanted to take Harry to the summit of Snowdon, but never got around to it.
“When I heard about the challenge I thought it was the perfect opportunity.
The father of two added: “The thought of being detached from my family is never far from my mind and I think that the support Little Troopers can offer at times when I’m away is fantastic and a great opportunity for my boys to make new friends.”
Little Troopers founder Louise Fetigan added: “This will be our fourth trek up Snowdon. It is such a great event seeing families, both military and civilian, pull together and the little troopers encouraging each other.
“The gruelling trek is a huge undertaking for the children taking part – I’m so proud.
“Every single penny raised will go towards our work supporting military children through the unique challenges they can often face.”
Organisers say sponsorship will fund initiatives like a storytelling app, school resource packs and a summer camp for military families.
Sponsor Sgt Burt-Matthews at mydonate.bt.com/ fundraisers/jonathanburt-matthews
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