12 Jul 2023
Last month, on 09 June 2023, Suzanne Pressman, climbed a mountain in Morocco’s Atlas Mountains range in memory of her son David.
She and her friend Sharon Bennett took on the challenge to raise money for London’s Air Ambulance Charity, who attended her 17 year old son after a motorcycle accident six years ago on 14 July 2017.
“The air ambulance came straight away to David’s side on that day and you managed to get him breathing again. Although he never regained consciousness, you gave me five more days to be with him, which I am so thankful for,” said Suzanne.
David lived his life with the motto ‘live life to the full and don’t let anybody tell you can’t’ and Suzanne took that with her on the trek.
“This was the hardest challenge I have ever done. I knew I was going to climb a mountain, but I wasn’t expecting that harsh terrain and incline – it was so steep! But I kept going with David in my mind”
The trek saw Suzanne and Sharon cover a distance of 15km, climbing to a height of 2,500 metres. With kind weather – staying around 26-28 degrees Celsius with a small breeze – they completed the trek, taking four hours to reach the summit.
“The last 500m was so incredibly steep and exhausting, I really struggled,” said Suzanne. “But I had David with me telling me not to give up. He was the most amazing boy and I felt that he was the one guiding me.
“When I reached the top, I felt so proud, it had been a true challenge for both of us.”
Suzanne and Sharon have raised over £1,500 with their mountain trek and we’re so grateful for their efforts. We wish them all the best for the future.
“I’m so glad I did this. Although knowing David, he probably would have run up it!”