MORE than 250 people walked up Snowdon to raise £20,000 on behalf of a teenage leukaemia sufferer.

Dan Jarrett, 15, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia – a form of the condition which claims the lives of about 150 young people a year – last December.

Since then Dan, from Gresford, has undergone an intensive course of treatment, including regular chemotherapy and steroids.

His illness has called a halt to both his education at Bishop Heber High School in Malpas and his footballing with Borras Park Rangers.

Earlier this year, Dan’s 12-year-old sister, Paige, came up with the idea of organising a sponsored walk to the summit of Mount Snowdon, to raise money for three different causes – the cancer support charities CLIC Sargent and CHIC and for Luke himself to help finance his future.

Dan’s father, Luke, said: “The whole thing just snowballed and got bigger all the time.

“My good friend, Nick White, got involved with the organisation and more and more people said they would get involved.

“We eventually had about 250 people walking up Snowdon and we raised the fantastic sum of £20,703.

“I was there on the day with my wife, Karen, and Paige and it was just incredible to see and also quite emotional.

“To start with the weather was horrendous but it cleared up later on. There were so many people I didn’t know everyone who took part but I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone.”

He added: “Dan has had an intensive course of chemotherapy and the signs are looking good for an eventual full recovery.

“All the family is so proud of the way he has handled this difficult time. It has also been really marvellous the way everyone has rallied around.

“Nick White has been an inspiration and it was his leadership which helped make such a success of the fundraising.”

Dan’s mother, Karen, said: “We would like to thank the 250 or so walkers but also the many many people who pledged sponsorship.

“The support we have all had from the staff and pupils at Dan’s school at Bishop Heber has also been unrelenting and very praiseworthy.”