An Aberystwyth councillor who was abused online for organising a fundraiser for the RNLI has raised almost £1,000 for the lifesaving charity.

Nishant Chandolia completed his challenge to climb all four peaks of Cadair Idris in a single day on Saturday, 3 October.

Cllr Chandolia wanted to give back to the charity that helped him when he got into difficulty while kayaking in Cardigan Bay in October 2022.

“That experience has stayed with me ever since,” he said.

After weeks of preparation, he successfully climbed Craig Cwm Amarch, Penygadair, Cyfrwy and Mynydd Moel to complete the challenge, and he did it alongside fellow councillor, Julien Brun.

Cllr Chandolia says the achievement would have been considerably harder without Cllr Brun’s support.

He accompanied Cllr Chandolia for the entire hike, from the beginning of the route through to the final summit. He also drove them to and from Cadair Idris and remained alongside Cllr Chandolia throughout what proved to be a physically demanding day.

“Julien was incredible,” Cllr Chandolia said.

“He was there for every step of the challenge.

“He was patient, encouraging and enthusiastic throughout. “Having someone beside me from the first climb to the final summit made a huge difference.

“There were definitely moments when it was tough, but having Julien there kept me going. When you’re tired and still have another summit ahead of you, having someone beside you makes a huge difference.”

The pair were also supported by kindness from others, including someone who made cakes for them to take up the mountain.

The challenge took place in beautiful conditions, with clear skies, sunshine and spectacular views across Cadair Idris and the surrounding landscape.

“It was an incredibly beautiful day,” Cllr Chandolia added. “The views were extraordinary, and at times it genuinely felt like God was smiling on us. It made reaching

each summit even more special.”

Reaching the final summit with the RNLI flag was a particularly significant moment for him.

He said: “I was incredibly proud when we finally reached the last summit.

“I had spent weeks preparing for this, and seeing the RNLI flag at the top after completing all four peaks was a moment I’ll remember for a very long time.”

The response to the fundraiser has also exceeded Chandolia’s expectations, with £948 raised in just two weeks.

“I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who donated, shared the fundraiser, sent messages, wished me luck or supported me in any way,” he added.

“I started with a £250 target, so reaching over £900 in only two weeks has been genuinely overwhelming.”

The fundraiser remains open, with Cllr Chandolia hoping to raise even more for the RNLI following the completion of the challenge.

If you would like to donate to Cllr Chandolia’s fundraising page, visit https://fundraise.rnli.org/s/21192/28978/w

The councillor said his original fundraising target was £250, but despite online abuse from people accusing the RNLI of aiding illegal immigrant entry to the UK, his fundraising page surpassed £900 in just two weeks.