Four men from Bournemouth will be climbing the toughest route of Mount Snowdon in memory of their friends who have died from incidents involving knives.
Alex Moss, 22, will be attempting the challenge with three of his closest friends to remember the lives of those lost by knife crime.
Cameron Hamilton, an 18-year-old man from Bournemouth, died last month after an incident in the town centre.
Alex often saw Cameron at his friend’s house and described him as a ‘good lad’ who was always willing to talk.
“So far, I know about three people that have died due to knife crime,” said Alex.
“And I also know one person that was a victim of knife crime but luckily survived, which is a good friend of mine.”
Alex said the Echo’s ‘No More Knives’ campaign ‘fits perfectly’ in the work he is doing to stop knife crime.
No More Knives was created to promote organisations working together to make Bournemouth a safer place.
Alex’s climb, alongside friends Robbie Chipchase, Harry Pickard and Nathan Clifford, will be raising money for ‘Lives not Knives,’ a charity working against youth violence.
The group have known each other since childhood, and all do boxing together at Poole ABC.
READ MORE: No More Knives: Ex police sergeant calls for knife crime education
Alex is advocating for more young people to take part in sports and exercise to ‘let out steam’.
To make climbing the Welsh mountain even more challenging, the team have decided to hike up the most difficult route, Crib Goch.
“I've seen videos of the route we're doing and it does look quite extreme, but if we're careful and we take caution with our steps and make sure everyone's all sorted and we look out for each other, I think we'll be able to do it,” said Alex.
He added that he’s both nervous and excited for the climb, but is looking forward to the challenge.
“I used to be in cadets, so I've always done outdoors type activities like coasteering and water sports and things, but I've never specifically climbed a mountain, so it's a new challenge for me.
“I'm a bit nervous about it, but I'm also really excited because I love a good challenge.”
Despite the climb being three weeks away, Alex and the group have surpassed their initial target of £500 for Lives Not Knives.
“I couldn't be more grateful for all my friends and family who are supporting the cause.
“I'm actually really surprised how quickly we not only reach the target, but also smashed the target.”
Donations can be made through Alex’s Go Fund Me, titled ‘Sponsored Hike up Mt Snowdon to stop knife crime’.
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