THOUSANDS of people from all over the country will join a duo with links to the Oswestry area as they ‘light up the mountains’ with a fundraiser walk.

Michelle Simmonds, an Oswestry lawyer, and community first responder, has joined Keith Jones, whose family live in town, in a national effort to raise money for mountain rescue crews from England and Wales.

The event will see thousands of hikers from England and Scotland go up three mountains - Mam Tor (Peak District), Pen Y Fan (South Wales) and Catbells (Lake District) -  simultaneously, with Michelle and Keith guiding two of the walks.

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Michelle said: “I started hiking over a year ago for my mental wellbeing and then got the bug.

“I am in several groups on Facebook, one of them being ‘Adventure Buddies’ and that’s how I got in contact with Keith and realised he had ties with Oswestry.

“Hiking has become more popular recently, and Keith’s idea was amazing, and I wanted to be on there as one of the guides.”

Border Counties Advertizer: Michelle Simmonds hiking Michelle Simmonds hiking (Image: Michelle Simmonds)

Michelle will take on Pen Y Fan, while Keith will lead his group up on Mam Tor.

The event is set to take place on Saturday, October 7, from 5.30pm, when simultaneously all the hikers from the different mountains will start their journeys.

Hikers will use headlamps, torches and other light sources to illuminate the paths.

Keith explained: “I wanted to light up the mountains to show the hikers’ appreciation.

“As the group grew and then seeing them in the mountains doing and trying new things, so did the appreciation and respect of the importance of mountain rescue teams.

“With groups like ours, I felt the responsibility and need to show our gratitude, the love and thanks for every single mountain rescue team throughout England and Wales.”

Border Counties Advertizer: Keith Jones hiking Keith Jones hiking (Image: Keith Jones)

At first Keith had put the target for the fundraiser up for £750, but now the event has raised over £8,000.

Now he has received recognition nationwide, with the BBC coming to video the adventure and take lots of pictures.

“I didn’t realise it was going to be this big”, he added, “I started up my very own Facebook Group along with some friends help and support we now have Adventure Buddies.”

“A group where we encourage you all to push yourself, try new things, meet new people and a place to be yourself," Keith continued.

The hiker, although currently not residing in Oswestry, has family in town and loves the area.

Keith, Michelle, and other groups in town will be hosting more events in Oswestry in the future, including a ball to raise more money for the Mountain Rescue England and Wales teams in November.

Details to be confirmed soon.

For those who wish to show their support to the hike , click here.

Entry will be based on a £5 donation, and all proceeds will go directly to the mountain rescue teams, who play a crucial role in locating, accessing, and providing aid to those in distress.

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Keith added: “I hope we can do this every year, and with the amount of people that joined now, I am sure it'll happen again.

"So I call upon everyone who walks, hikes and climbs, or know someone who does, to join us on the October 7 to light up the mountains for Mountain Rescue England and Wales."

The organisers are welcoming anyone to join, families and children included.