Hastings man's 24-hour Snowdon climb raises thousands for young girls fighting rare illnesses

Tony Wadsworth undertook the challenge in aid of two-year-old Olivia Bolt, from Bexhill, who was diagnosed with a brain tumour, and seven-year-old Nala Shaw from Alnwick, Northumberland, who has a rare disorder called Metachromatic Leukodystrophy (MLD).

Tony said: “Olivia's story was introduced to me through a mutual friend, Sam Moss. Kira, Nala’s mum’s partner, is a friend of my wife.”

More than £5,700 was raised. Tony said the money will be donated directly to the parents of Olivia and Nala, allowing them to use the money to 'enrich their daughters’ lives in whatever way they feel is most beneficial'.

He said Nala's condition is terminal, having been first diagnosed with MLD in April 2022 when she was just two and a half years old.

MLD is a rare genetic disease that attacks the brain and nervous system.

It most commonly affects babies and young children who appear completely healthy at birth but lose their abilities as the disease takes hold.

Tony said Olivia was diagnosed with a suprasellar pilocytic astrocytoma in August 2025.

This rare brain tumour commonly develops in children and young adults.

Tony, director and owner of Hastings Garage Door & Gate Systems Ltd, said the tumour has affected Olivia’s vision and will unfortunately limit her ability to live a normal life.

He added the North Star pub in Clarence Road, St Leonards supported his 24-hour Snowdon Challenge by holding a series of fundraising events at the venue.

Clarity Comps, an online business, also joined in to help fundraise, he said.

Tony's fundraising page can be found at www.gofundme.com/f/24hr-snowdon-challenge.