A WOMAN from St Asaph led a group of walkers up Eryri in a charity event in memory of her “beloved” son, who died aged five having been diagnosed with cancer.

Rachael Parland, who lost son Rocco in 2006, walked up the mountain range with approximately 45 others on Thursday (August 1), in aid of Children with Cancer UK.

So far, she has raised in excess of £2,500 - www.justgiving.com/page/rach-parland-1715083043350.

The walk was also held on what would have been Rocco’s birthday, with Rachael determined to keep alive his “legacy”.

It culminated in all of the participants singing “happy birthday” at the summit of Eryri.

Rachael's late son, RoccoRachael's late son, Rocco (Image: Rachael Parland)

Rachael said: “I don’t want him to ever be forgotten; that would be my worst nightmare. I don’t want people to not talk about him.

“It was lovely to see everybody coming together; we had hardly any slept the night b4, but it was just great. And the weather was with us - it was roasting hot!

“It was tiring - mentally, physically and emotionally – but it just showed the power of people supporting one another.

“Even though his time with us was brief, Rocco’s spirit continues to touch us deeply. He taught us about resilience, strength, kindness, and the importance of cherishing every moment.

“His legacy lives on through the memories we hold dear and the way he has shaped our perspective on life.

“By honouring his memory, we strive to embody the qualities he showed us, ensuring that his light continues to shine through our actions and our love.”

Rachael, who offers online empowerment coaching, said she was “chuffed” and “overwhelmed” by the support shown and the amount raised for Thursday’s event.

Rachael during her walk up Eryri on August 1Rachael during her walk up Eryri on August 1 (Image: Rachael Parland)

In 2022, she released a book, entitled From the Ashes, She is Ignited, in which eight ladies, including herself, shared their accounts stories on how they overcame adversity.

Rachael’s own chapter, “An Unbreakable Bond; A Mother, A Son, A Journey”, describes the pain of losing Rocco and the choices she made to heal and make life worth living.

She added: “Rocco's passing initiated a profound healing journey for me - one marked by immense grief, therapy, and ultimately, transformation.

“The therapy I received was life-saving, guiding me from a place of despair to one of hope and renewal.

“Inspired by the support and healing I experienced, I made a pivotal decision to quit my job and train in the therapies that had helped me so profoundly.

“Writing my story was a therapeutic and empowering process, and it has since inspired many who face similar challenges.

“This September, I will be guiding 10 remarkable women through their own writing journeys, helping them to share their stories of resilience and hope.”