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Christmas Day trek planned to help mental health

David Glyn Jones A group of hikers pictured infront of a mountain in Eryri National Park, people at the front are crouched down with dogs. David Glyn Jones
The event first took place on Christmas Day last year in Eryri National Park

A Christmas Day trek has been planned with the hope of helping those struggling with their mental health over the festive season.

David Glyn Jones, from Bangor, Gwynedd, first discovered hiking after his mum died unexpectedly in 2017, which left him battling dark thoughts.

He said getting outdoors was the only thing that helped him deal with the loss and found mountains were "a place to grieve and forget the stress and worries in life".

Now, along with other mountain guides across the UK, Mr Jones aims to help people embrace the outdoors and make sure no-one spends Christmas alone, with a walk in Eryri, also known as Snowdonia.

"It's often a huge reminder of loved ones who will never sit around your table at Christmas again," Mr Jones said.

Since the death of his mum, Beverly, he said Christmas "has never been the same", adding that spending the festive period with loved ones was not something everyone is fortunate enough to do.

The 34-year-old said his mental health deteriorated in the months following his mum's death but believes hiking truly saved him from "his darkest times".

And after first hiking Yr Wyddfa - also called Snowdon - in memory of his mum in 2018, Mr Jones has not stopped.

Now a qualified mountain leader, he first ran the Christmas Day hike in 2023 and was joined by 36 people on his expedition up Y Garn in Eryri National Park.

This year he hopes even more people will join him.

David Glyn Jones Mr Jones pictured smiling wearing a santas hat in the mountains of Eryri National Park. He carries a walking pole in his right hand and has a large backpack on his back. David Glyn Jones
The Santa Claus of Snowdonia, Mr Jones hopes to help people's mental health

As a single parent, Mr Jones said his festive celebrations usually take place on Boxing Day with his daughter, Annabella.

This year's plan is to head up Elidir Fawr via the Marchlyn Mawr loop and Mr Jones said the event was "open to everyone who struggles at Christmas".

"It's accessible to everyone, people of all ages can join but they must be at a reasonable fitness level to take part," he added.

Mr Jones will be joined by John Churchwood and Tom Goodwin, who helped organise the trip in 2023.

Meanwhile, over the border in England, mountain guide Damon Cole will be leading a Christmas Day hike from the Peak District and Steve Upton will run one in the Lake District.

Together, the team of mountain guides hope to make sure nobody has to go through Christmas alone.

David Glyn Jones Mr Jones (left) pictured, has a thick mousy brown beard and is wearing a christmas hat. Mr Churchwood (right) wears a green rainmac, orange backpack, has dark hair and stubble. David Glyn Jones
Fellow mountain guide John Churchwood (right) is helping David for a second time this year

If you're affected by any of the issues in this article you can find details of organisations who can help via the BBC Action Line.