Walkers are wanted to join a special trek up Mount Snowdon in memory of a popular Shropshire doctor – which will also raise funds for a ground-breaking Veterans’ Orthopaedic Service in the county.

The annual Snowpaedic Challenge is organised by The Orthopaedic Institute, a charity based at The Orthopaedic Hospital in Oswestry and which supports research and teaching through voluntary contributions to benefit patients. The walk will take place this year on Saturday June 16.

It is being staged in memory of consultant orthopaedic surgeon Professor ‘Prof’ James Richardson, an enthusiastic supporter of the event who sadly passed away earlier this year.

Funds raised from this year’s event will go towards a new appeal to fund a £1 million Veterans’ Orthopaedic Centre at The Orthopaedic which will allow veterans and serving military personnel to be treated in a dedicated care environment.

The service, which will be the first of its kind in the UK, is led by Lieutenant Colonel Carl Meyer, consultant orthopaedic surgeon who is also a serving British Army surgeon.

Debra Alexander, fundraiser for the Orthopaedic Institute, said: “For the past two years Prof thoroughly enjoyed helping the team of fundraisers up and down Mount Snowdon.

“We have decided to take Prof’s preferred route again, the slightly easier Llanberis Path with gentle gradients and beautiful views out across the landscape.”

The route is approximately nine miles up and down and should take around six hours to complete.

Debra added: “We also appreciate that some of the team may not wish to complete the full walk; however we still welcome everyone to turn up and take part in whichever way they please.

“It was a fantastic event last year and wonderful to see so many patients and friends join us for the walk. We hope that everyone will come along and join us again this year.”

Entry is £15 per person and under 16s are free. Walkers are also encouraged to ask friends, relatives and colleagues to provide sponsorship so much more can be raised.

Anyone interested in joining this year’s Snowpaedic Challenge Team, is asked to contact Debra Alexandra on 01691 404561 or at enquiries@orthopaedic-institute.org.