Dad of murdered boy 'cried heart out' on peaks climb

Michael Hall took on the Welsh 3000s challenge in memory of his son

The father of a teenager who was stabbed to death said he "cried his heart out" after climbing 16 of the tallest peaks in Wales in memory of his son.

Joshua Hall was stabbed at least six times after a fight at a sports club in Cam, Gloucestershire in April 2021.

His father, Michael Hall, completed the Welsh 3000s challenge in less than 24 hours on Sunday, with support from his friends and partner.

As part of the challenge, they had to scramble up the notorious Crib Goch, which is known for its exposure and potential dangers.

Michael Hall with son Josh

"I cried my heart out after I climbed Crib Goch because I just wanted to be able to turn around and tell Josh that I've done it," said Michael.

"We were hanging on for dear life at some points. It definitely wasn't just a walk."

Joshua Hall was murdered by Harley Demmon, who was 15 at the time.

In 2022, Demmon was jailed for a minimum of 22 years.

Michael said outdoor sports had provided a healthy outlet for him to process his grief, while fundraising has helped keep his son's name "alive".

"After losing a child, it can be really easy to lose that focus of what life's about, especially as a dad and as somebody who prided myself on being the protector of the family.

"That imagery of who I am as a man and as a parent got ripped away the night that Josh was murdered and I've been slowly trying to rebuild what that looks like since."

Outdoor activites have helped Michael to process his grief

Michael completed the challenge with the support of an "incredible team" consisting of his friends and his partner Sarah.

He has raised over £4,200 for the charity Strongmen, which is a men's bereavement group that supported him through his grieving process.

"It's a charity close to my heart," said Michael, who also volunteers with the charity, providing peer-to-peer-support.

"They engage men who are struggling with bereavement with the outdoors.

"It's great to have raised all this money and to feel I am giving back to the charity," he said.