Five support workers from Cygnet Hospital Kewstoke in Weston-super-Mare will ascend Mount Snowdon/Yr Wyddfa in Wales on Friday, June 14, to honor Ben Rees, a beloved son, brother, partner, and friend. Ben, a member of the hospital’s maintenance team, tragically took his own life last year at 33. His mother Sarah Lock, girlfriend Kennedy Bonner, sister Bryoni Bown, close friend Lois Aspinall, and brother-in-law Sam Bide are taking on the climb to commemorate him and raise money for the mental health charity Mind.
Kennedy described Ben as “a loving partner, dad, son, brother, and friend” whose “charming, bubbly, and confident” nature brightened every room. “He was an incredible father, a wonderful partner, and cherished by his siblings Becci, Bryoni, and Tarique, and his mum Sarah,” she said. Known for his kindness and lively spirit, Ben often stole the show at family gatherings with his rendition of Kenny Rogers’ The Gambler. “Life without him will never feel the same, and we wanted to do something meaningful in his memory.”
Ben passed away while Kennedy was 28 weeks pregnant with their daughter, Hattie. “It breaks my heart that he’ll never meet her,” Kennedy said, “but we’ll make sure she knows how amazing her daddy was.”
The group chose Snowdon because of Ben’s love for the outdoors and his Welsh roots. “He was active, loved nature, and was proud of his heritage,” Kennedy explained. “Climbing Snowdon suits him perfectly—he’d have raced us all to the top.”
Starting at midnight, they aim to summit by sunrise around 5:00 a.m. “The idea of catching a sunrise struck me,” Kennedy said. “Ben’s bright, warm personality felt mirrored in that moment—it just seemed right.”
They’re fundraising for Mind to help those facing mental health struggles. “Mental health touches everyone, and the right support can change lives,” Kennedy noted. “Mind offers vital advice, advocacy, and services so no one feels alone. We hope our donations will boost their efforts, raise awareness, and ensure fewer families endure the pain we’ve faced.”
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