Posted 11 July 2018
At Travel Counsellors, we believe in a future without limits, and Travel Counsellor Nick Markham shows that anything is possible with self-belief and the support of others…
Recently, Skegness-based Travel Counsellor and accessible travel champion Nick Markham achieved something truly amazing when he took on the incredible challenge of conquering Snowdon in his adapted wheelchair.
Alongside a team of 14 walkers, Nick scaled one the highest peaks in the UK on Sunday following weeks of training and upper arm strength exercises. After a 6am start on one of the hottest days of the year, the group of Snowden adventurers successful completed the challenge in less than four hours to raise money for Reuben’s Retreat – a charity that supports families with children who have life-limited illnesses.
With Nick’s team helping to carry him and his wheelchair for the final 100 metres of the summit over the mount’s infamous rocky terrain, Nick reached the top to a round of applause, cheers and tears from on-lookers and fellow walkers.
Since a road traffic accident in 1992 left Nick in a wheelchair, he has been determined to live life to full and is passionate about making travel experiences accessible for everyone, no matter their physical or mental abilities.
Nick said; “Scaling Snowdon was both mentally and physically challenging. Not only did we have the June heatwave to contend with, but as I began the ascent I realised just how deep I was going to have to dig to make it to the top.
“All throughout the challenge I kept my mind focussed on how you can achieve anything if you put your mind to it, regardless of whether you’re walking or in a wheelchair. I also thought about how the money raised would benefit Reuben’s Retreat. This, alongside the support of my fellow teammates, kept me going right up to the top of the mountain. The challenge didn’t end there of course, and after taking some time to enjoy the breath-taking views of the rolling Welsh hills, we then had to dig deep again to get back down safely. It just proves that with a great team behind you, anything is possible.”
Nick’s Snowdon challenge by wheelchair has raised over £1,000 so far, with further donations pouring in.
Operations Director, Karen Morris said, “A huge well done to Nick for his amazing achievement and the support he has given to our chosen charity Reuben’s Retreat. Nick is a true champion of our vision to make travel experiences accessible for everyone and is proof that you can achieve anything you set your mind to. In true Travel Counsellors style Nick is living a life without limits, and we are delighted to support him along the way.”
Nick added; “Working in travel means I have the opportunity to explore the world and send my customers, whether they be able bodied or have a disability, to experience some amazing journeys that take them to all corners of the globe. It’s a job and a responsibility I love, and to be able to support Travel Counsellors chosen charity Reuben’s Retreat, which helps to send families with poorly children on respite breaks that enable them to spend time together when it really matters, means I can give back to people that need support through tough times.
“A huge thanks for the support of my fellow Snowdon conquerors, Travel Counsellors and Breese Adventures, who specialise in Snowdonia charity challenges for all abilities.”
You can donate to Nick’s JustGiving Page at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/nick-markham1.