A TEAM of 21 Essential Cuisine employees fought driving rain and gale-like wind as they climbed Snowdon in order to raise money for St Luke’s Hospice.

Though on Saturday, June 10, the weather was threatening, it could not prevent the group from joining with six other north west companies and members of the St Luke’s team who were also climbing the mountain.

After the climb, the team were grateful for all the support they received.

Heather Wilde, sales operations manager at Essential Cuisine, said: “Team Essential would all like to say a massive thank you to everyone who has sponsored us, you have all helped make a massive difference.”

The team walked for more than four hours, making it to the half-way point on the mountain, but by this time the rain was more severe and visibility dangerously poor. Despite their determination, wardens at Snowdon told the team that they could not progress any further, for their safety.

Upon their descent, the weather did not ease off for the Essential Cuisine group. Visibility was better due to the change in direction, but the wind still came in violent gusts and rain continued to pour.

Luckily the team all made it back to base in one piece, and thanks to their efforts a massive total has been raised for St Luke’s Hospice.

Steven Cook, the charity’s corporate partnership manager, said: “I have been thrilled with the response from our corporate partners with this initiative, in particular Essential Cuisine, who raised an astonishing £7300.”

Despite the miserable weather, the team spirit was anything but low as the group bonded during the trip out. Heather described their feeling of achievement as ‘fantastic’ and the team clearly look back very fondly upon their charitable, though rather wet, experience.