Thank you for taking the time to visit this JustGiving page which has been set up in memory of Matthew Coates by his colleagues in the Faculty of Medicine & Health at the University of Leeds.

Matt passed away on Wednesday 15 December 2010 after a prolonged battle with a rare and aggressive cancer. Aged only 31 he had barely begun living his life and his best years were ahead.

To mark Matt's sad passing this team of elite athletes has been formed to tackle the Yorkshire Three Peaks, a walking challenge that involves scaling the peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough, covers a 24.5 miles distance in under 12 hours. The event will take place on Saturday 5th May. 

Matt's favourite charity was Operation Smile, a cause which provides free surgery to repair cleft lips, cleft palates and other facial deformities for children around the globe. We would greatly appreciate any support to reach (and possibly exceed) our target of raising £1000 for this cause in Matt's memory.

The team of walkers includes Vikki Crouch, Andy Pellow, Peter Muller, Anika Huggins, Kelly da Silva, Ruth Buller, Andy Cooper, Lizzie Reather, Dionne Walker, Maria Ala-Aijala, Abigail Hewitt, Lynn Bulmer, Sharon Kinsey, Sarah Pearman and Andy Kirk. From all involved, thank you very much!