Powered by Emergency Lighting: Mackwell takes on Snowdon for the ICEL Charity Night Walk

In the early hours of Saturday the 15th of March, a dedicated team from The Lighting Industry Association (The LIA), alongside fellow industry members, embarked on a challenge - climbing Snowdon at night! This event, organised by The LIA, was more than just a test of endurance; it was organised to raise awareness of the critical role of high-quality, compliant emergency lighting while supporting the incredible work of the Electrical Industries Charity (EIC). The EIC provides crucial assistance to those within the electrical and energy industries, ensuring support is available whenever individuals or their families face challenges.

For Matt, this challenge was a natural fit. An avid walker and climber, he frequently visits Snowdonia and has tackled various mountain routes, including night approaches using head torches. However, this particular trek presented a unique twist - incorporating emergency lighting, a field that has been at the core if his career since he started at the age of 21.

Mackwell has long been committed to charitable initiatives and participating in this industry-specific cause was the perfect opportunity to show support.

To gear up for the challenge, Matt dedicated time to training both on and off the mountains. Earlier this year, he spent four days climbing in Snowdonia and had also intensified his gym workouts, focusing on leg strength through squats and lunges to ensure he was in peak condition for the ascent.

While Matt has summited Tryfan and Y Garn, this route up Snowdon presented a fresh experience. Matt said, “Even on a relatively safe route like the Ranger Path, nothing bonds people like the shared hardships of hiking.”

The climb required a blend of both physical endurance and technical expertise, as the team had to ensure the emergency lighting lasted throughout the journey. With the help of the Mackwell technical team, all 3 emergency lights used for the night section of the walk provided the perfect solution and were in fact still shining 12 hours later once Matt returned home.

The trek wasn’t without its difficulties. While the Ranger Path provided a relatively gentle start, the transition onto the Llanberis Path brought strong winds, cold temperatures, and ice, making the final stretch particularly demanding. The walk was a great achievement for everyone involved especially those completing Snowdon for the first time in those conditions.

One of the most rewarding aspects of the climb was the camaraderie among participants. Matt said, “Walkers of different ability levels naturally form smaller groups along the way, but everyone came together for the final summit and group photos. There were no complaints, despite the cold and lack of sleep. The descent as a team was equally special, revealing breathtaking views that had been hidden during the dark ascent.”
Congratulations to Matt and the entire team for their incredible effort in demonstrating the importance of emergency lighting in extreme environments while successfully raising £2,170 in support of the Electrical Industries Charity (EIC).