Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.
The National Three Peaks Challenge is a well known phrase amongst the more adventurous. On the 6/7th May i'll be climbing the highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales within 24 hours. I'll be climbing Ben Nevis (4,409ft) first then onto the Lake District for Scafell Pike (3,209ft) finally nipping into Wales to conquer Snowdon (3,560ft) with minutes to spare....In all the challenge involves some 42 kilometres (26 mi) of ascent and descent, with total travel approaching 765 kilometres (475 mi).
In doing this I will be raising funds for the Coventry & District branch of the Illeostomy Association (IA). This wonderful charity helped me deal with my Sub Total Collectomy (removal of my entire colon) in 2009 and subsequent formation of an internal pouch (this still baffles me) last summer following years of suffering from Ulcerative Colitis. I am a lucky boy and glad to be fighting fit once again so this seems the right thing to do. I am also doing this to close a painful chapter of my life and to thank those who have played major parts in my recovery. You know who you are!
I also want to raise awareness of what I have been through and help others going through the same thing. There is sadly so much stigma associated with anything bowel related and this is often the hardest thing for patients to overcome. I can't believe it is still such a taboo subject in this day and age. We all have them and some of us (especially men!) do not act immediately the moment we notice a change in bowel habits. My message is simple - GO TO THE DOCTOR!! it could save your life.
Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.
So please give what you can. Appreciate this is not an ideal time to be raising funds but that’s me all over - poor timing!
Rob Ridley
