Supporting people and pets in need: Sandra's Snowdon hike for PDSA

31 July 2025

Read about Sandra's inspiring fundraising challenge to raise money for PDSA.

Sandra (48) from Ipswich is raising money for PDSA in loving memory of her Alaskan Klee Kai, Nevaeh, by hiking up the highest mountain in Wales, Mount Snowdon.

Nevaeh was Sandra’s support dog who passed away unexpectedly on 22 May 2025. It was just a normal day for Sandra when she took her dog on their daily walk, and Nevaeh collapsed completely out of the blue. Sandra rushed her to a private vet immediately for emergency care.

Sandra said: “Nevaeh had no health problems beforehand; she was always a healthy and happy dog. I suffer from borderline personality disorder, and when my emotions would get too much for me, she would always pick up on it and be there to comfort me.”

Sadly, the vet discovered Nevaeh had an abnormal mass in her lungs that had ruptured. Sandra had to make the tough decision of putting Nevaeh to sleep, sparing her from any more pain and suffering.

Before Nevaeh passed away, Sandra had planned to hike up Mount Snowdon to raise money for charity with her furry friend by her side. She explained: “Originally, the challenge was to raise money for Suffolk Mind, in memory of my dad, who died by suicide last November. I was going to say goodbye to my dad whilst raising money for Mind, who help people who are struggling with their mental health.

“However, after Nevaeh passed away, I decided I wanted to raise money for PDSA too because of my recent experience. When I lost Nevaeh, I was struggling emotionally and was then hit with huge vet bills, which made me feel even worse. Not only did I have the sadness of losing Nevaeh, but I also had the added financial stress.”

PDSA is a charity close to Sandra’s heart, she said: “I’ve used PDSA’s services for my pets before. I’m choosing PDSA as my charity to support, as many people are struggling financially at the moment, and vet bills are expensive.

“PDSA helps owners who can’t afford the full cost of vet treatment by providing free and low-cost vet care. Nevaeh helped me to fundraise to help people with my original fundraiser for Mind, and now I want to give something back to pets like Nevaeh by donating funds to PDSA too.”

Sandra is getting out of her comfort zone to do the hike, pushing herself in memory of her dad and Nevaeh. During her challenge, she will be supported by her daughter and two grandchildren, who will be cheering her on.

It will be a special day for Sandra, she added: “I’ve decorated some pebbles to carry with me and leave on Mount Snowdon in memory of my dad and Nevaeh, so they can do the journey with me, and I can say goodbye at the top. It’s an emotional day for me, but I want to do this for PDSA so that they can continue to help people and pets.”

PDSA Vet, Emma Fisher, added: “We’re so thankful to Sandra for supporting PDSA. Her generous fundraising efforts will help us to continue our life-saving work, treating pets whose owners have nowhere else to turn. It’s thanks to the incredible support of kind-hearted people like Sandra that we can provide vital treatment for pets and make a real difference to their owners.”

Sandra raised £210 for Suffolk Mind and £135 for PDSA.

To support Sandra, visit her JustGiving page: 
https://www.justgiving.com/page/sandra-young-5