Minster Law’s Snowdon Push raises £17K and more for spinal injuries charity Back Up

A team of volunteers from Minster Law, has raised more than £17K in this year’s ‘Snowdon Push.’

The challenge saw Kris Aves, a policeman who was badly injured following the Westminster Bridge terrorist attack in 2017, supported to reach the top of Snowdon and back again on Saturday 17 September with the help of a 14-strong team, including nine employees from Minster Law and five of Kris’ close friends.

Mick Lynch, director of partnerships at Minster Law, takes up the story: “I met Kris at a Back Up Trust charity dinner, and after a few drinks suggested we teamed up for the Snowdon Push.”

“It was an incredible journey not just the physical effort of getting Kris safely up and down the mountain, but also all the training and preparation that went on beforehand to get ourselves ready, and of course the fundraising efforts for Back Up, the charity which organises the event.”

Back Up supports people with spinal cord injuries, the route took the team (and Kris in his wheelchair) up the 3,500ft peak and down again, a gruelling nine miles of mixed terrain.

The team begins their push up Mount Snowdon

Mick explained that Minster Law’s clients include people whose lives have been devastated by serious accidents which leave them unable to walk, so there was a particular connection for the business in taking part in the challenge.

Kris Aves explained: “I became a full time wheelchair user and deal with all the challenges that brings. I was scared that I wouldn’t be able to do so many things again. This included being a Dad to my children or even to just go out for a drink with friends.

The team take a quick break at the summit before heading back down

Back Up was there for me and continue to support me with my injury, without them I wouldn’t be where I am today. Not only did they provide emotional support to me, they also supported my family when we needed it the most. My aim is to help create more awareness about what Back Up do so that other families can benefit from their amazing work, not only today but for many years to come.”

Mick was asked whether the team will do the event again. “This is probably not the best moment to ask, as I’m still getting my breath back from Saturday, but it was a thrilling and rewarding experience for us all and a great way to raise much-needed funds for this amazing charity.”

Minster Law was awarded with “Top Fundraiser” of the year, raising more than £17k, plus an additional £483 on the mountain alone (more than the official Back Up stall received in the day)!

Well done team.

The team sporting their medals at the finish line