Rhys Jones, a volunteer Community First Responder in Poole, Hamworthy and Blandford had planned to climb Mount Snowdon while carrying a full emergency response kit to raise funds for the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT).

Sadly, in October last year he took his own life, however, following his death, his family decided that they wanted to honour him by taking on the challenge themselves. They raised £8,206.47 in his memory and have now presented the SWASFT charity with the funds.

Rhys’ father Nigel, mother Lorraine, and step-mother Lisa, with support from his sisters Nikki and Kayleigh, close friends and colleagues, took on the gruelling climb in May.

Despite poor visibility, rain and hail, eight of the 10 people taking part made it to the top, two of them carrying the full emergency response kit, including oxygen cylinders, each kit weighing 10.5kg (23lb) in total. At 1,085m (3,560ft), Snowdon is the highest mountain in the British Isles outside Scotland.

Rhy’s father Nigel, from Poole, said: “We are so incredibly proud to be able to have honoured Rhys in such a special way.

“He was committed to his role as a CFR, and was always willing to help his community and the ambulance service, no matter the ask or the time of day.

“He was also keen to raise awareness of the important work they do in the community and to attract more people into the role.

“I know that he would be so pleased that we have been able to complete the challenge, raising money which will help CFRs deliver their vital role to patients.”

Zoe Larter, head of the South Western Ambulance Charity, says: “We are hugely grateful to Nigel, Lisa, Lorraine and all of Rhys’ family, friends and colleagues for their amazing achievements and magnificent donation.

“During their epic climb, the weather threw everything at them and they did a really great job.

“The money they raised will be used to purchase two Raizer Lifting Chairs and will also contribute towards fuel costs for the six group CFR cars that we will be purchasing with funding from an NHS Charities Together grant.

“I know that Rhys was passionate about the responder role and making sure the best equipment was available to help patients, and so we hope he would be proud of what his family has been able to achieve.”

The Samaritans can be contacted 24 hours a day on 116 123.