Phoenix (9) and Chase (12) Keys from County Durham are preparing to conquer Mount Snowdon on Saturday 6th September 2025 to raise money for the military children’s charity, Little Troopers.
Their dad, Sergeant Wesley Keys, serves in the British Army with the Royal Logistic Corps. Over the past 12 years, the Keys family have been part of the military community, experiencing multiple house moves and long deployments before finally settling in County Durham.
Although Wesley is currently deployed in Kenya, he plans to walk the same distance virtually on the day to support his wife and sons, staying connected with them in spirit throughout the challenge.
The family discovered Little Troopers while preparing for Wesley’s current six-month deployment. They found comfort and practical support in the charity’s resources, children’s activities, and separation packs. Inspired, they decided to take on the trek to help ensure other military families can continue to access this vital support. They have already raised £300 towards their £500 target.
Little Troopers was founded in 2011 by British Army veteran Louise Fetigan. The charity supports more than 100,000 children who have a parent serving in the British Armed Forces, offering resources, initiatives, and events to help children cope with the unique challenges of military life, such as deployments, frequent moves, and changing schools.
Speaking about the challenge, mum Rachel Keys said:
“We saw the Snowdon trek and thought, why not? Why not try to give back to a charity that has helped us more than they realise. We also wanted to break up the six months Wesley is away and have our own adventure to look forward to. We haven’t done anything like this before and hope to meet some incredible people along the way. My husband is even doing the trek virtually while deployed.”
Founder Louise Fetigan added:
“Little Troopers is a small charity with a big heart. We are so grateful to all our Snowdon fundraisers, but especially to children like Phoenix and Chase who are taking on such a huge personal challenge. Being a military child is a unique experience, and it’s inspiring to see children who have benefited from our charity choosing to raise money to support others like them.”
This Saturday, more than 40 fundraisers will gather in Wales to climb Britain’s second-highest mountain in support of Little Troopers.
To donate to the Snowdon trek, visit: Snowdon Trek 2025 for Little Troopers
For more information, visit: www.littletroopers.net
