A grateful former patient of Birmingham Children’s Hospital took on one of the highest mountains in Britain - Snowdon - raising over £1,300 for the hospital’s sick kids as a thank you for the care he received as an infant.

Raaj Jetha, from Hall Green, was treated at the hospital twenty-five years ago. This year, Raaj went on holiday with a group of friends to Morrocco and went on a climb up the famous Atlas Mountains. Raaj had a lightbulb moment. He had always wanted to fundraise for the hospital that helped him, but was waiting for inspiration to strike, and with his newfound hiking hobby, the perfect idea arose – he could climb Mount Snowdon.

Rounding up a few friends, Raaj decided to begin a fundraising page and encouraged friends, family and his workmates to donate, setting himself a target of £1,000. Quickly, the funds crept up and up and his target was smashed, totalling over £1,300.

When the time for the hike arrived, Raaj travelled to Wales with three of his mountain-climbing comrades, Rahil, Thanushan and Shreya. They arrived at the base of Snowdon early in the morning taking on a chilly climb following the Pen y Pass route. Sharing laughs and stories, the group journeyed up the four-hour trail and got to enjoy the spectacular views at the summit.

Raaj said: “I never thought I would enjoy hiking, but being able to take in such incredible scenery with my friends is so inspiring, and to give back to the hospital that helped me, was just the motivation I needed. Without my treatment, there’s no way I would have been able to achieve something like this. I’m so thankful and can’t wait to take on more challenges and help make a difference to the sick kids.”

Miranda Williams, Head of Public Fundraising at Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “Seeing former patients of our hospital take on challenges in aid of our charity is so fantastic, as it just goes to show how many lives are saved and changed because of the work that happens here. We are so proud of Raaj and his friends for taking on Mount Snowdon and we hope it inspires others to do the same.”