Snowdon, ascended 52 times in a year by Andrew Craig. Photo: Martin V Morris

A retained firefighter has completed his goal of walking to the top of Snowdon once a week in the past year.

Andrew Craig completed 52 ascents of Wales’s highest mountain to raise cash for the Breast Cancer Campaign when he summited the 1,085m (3,560ft) peak via the Snowdon Ranger Path on Thursday.

The 43-year-old Caernarfon man, who is manager of a builders’ merchants, has raised almost £15,000 for the charity.

He chose the organisation after his son Osian’s godmother died from the breast cancer. His co-workers at Travis Perkins set up his justgiving page after his wife suggested the idea of his climbing the mountain each week. When told they had set up the page, she told her husband she had only been joking.

Mr Craig used a variety of routes to summit the peak, including Crib Goch in August when he incorporated the climb into a 15-hour round of all 15 of Wales’s 3,000-footers.

His wife and son have also joined him on some of his ascents, and groups of supporters and friends have also accompanied him to the top of the mountain via the Pyg Track, Llanberis Path, South Ridge, Gyrn Lâs, Miners’ Track, Watkin Path and the Rhyd Ddu Path.

Mr Craig said: “What a year, one word can only describe it: inspirational.

“It’s been hard work but so enjoyable. I really appreciated the support from all including my wife Lynne and son Osian.”

He also thanked all those who had accompanied him on his walks.

Pete Roscoe of Llanberis-based DIMM International donated crampons and ice axes for the ascents, and Tim Lloyd and Salomon provided trainers walking boots.

The charity walker’s final ascent included a champagne celebration at the summit followed by a further walk from Llanberis to his home in Caernarfon where the town’s mayor Huw Edwards greeted Mr Craig and his supporters.

Donations can still be made via the justgiving website.