### Welshpool Man Scales Yr Wyddfa Carrying Two Friends to Raise £100,000 for Charity
In a remarkable display of strength and perseverance, a Welshpool resident has accomplished an extraordinary feat on Yr Wyddfa, Wales’ tallest mountain – carrying not one, but two companions up the challenging peak for charity.
Tom Dyos, aged 39, once again put himself to the test after famously climbing Yr Wyddfa in 2024 with one friend on his back. Determined to eclipse that achievement, Tom set his sights higher this year, vowing to support three worthy causes by carrying both Tim Davies and Steve Parr during a single ascent. The charities benefiting from this exertion are Midlands Air Ambulance, Freddie’s Wish, and First Aid4All, all of which have inspired Tom through the vital work they do in the community.
Tom spoke candidly about the challenge, recalling just how difficult his previous attempt had been. “Last year was really tough,” he admitted. “Everyone kept asking how I’d go one better, so I decided to try it with two people. Most people couldn’t believe it – they thought it was impossible.” Indeed, the physical demands of such an undertaking proved immense, not only testing Tom’s body, but also the trust and endurance of those riding on his back up the steep and rocky terrain.
The journey up Yr Wyddfa, also known as Snowdon, is a test for even experienced hikers. With sheer drops and ever-changing weather conditions, it’s not a climb to be taken lightly. Yet Tom navigated these hazards, using both a chair-based carrying system and the traditional “fireman’s carry”, alternating between lifting his friends on his back and shoulders, depending on the track and their comfort.
“Training for this kind of event wasn’t just about lifting weights,” Tom explained. “It was really about pushing myself to my absolute limits. There’s a mental side too; it’s about proving to myself what can be achieved when you put your heart and mind into it.”
The effort took its toll. Setting off determinedly, Tom paced himself through a gruelling 10 hours and 42 minutes on the mountainside. “After about three hours, the fatigue hits hard,” he shared. “Every step from then on was more difficult, especially carrying someone so high up, next to those big drops. The trust my mates had to put in me, being strapped into a chair or dangling from my shoulders, can’t be underestimated – it’s terrifying up there.”
As the climb reached its final stretch, just 800 yards from the summit, Tom felt his energy reserves dwindling. Yet with encouragement from his support team and sheer willpower, he pressed on, refusing to give in to exhaustion. “Failure wasn’t an option. If your mind stays strong, sometimes your body will follow. That’s what kept me going,” he said.
Upon finally summiting, the relief was palpable. The group wasted little time celebrating before heading into the mountaintop café, where Tom – having burned over 7,500 calories by his own fitness tracker – tucked into a much-deserved pizza. “It felt like my soul had left my body. I could barely keep my head up from the fatigue. There was nothing left in the tank,” Tom recalled with a wry grin.
The descent, though less strenuous, was still a two-hour trek, after which Tom was reunited with his partner for a hearty meal before returning home, mission accomplished. The daring ascent has already attracted attention from across Wales and beyond, inspiring many with the spirit of camaraderie and determination.
Supporters can still contribute to Tom’s fundraising campaign, with donations helping to provide life-saving and supportive services for the three charities involved. His achievement serves as a reminder of the power of community – with one determined individual able to climb to incredible heights, both literally and figuratively, for causes he believes in.