On 25th September 2008, both Lee and Peter Hackett will be taking one of the biggest challenges of their lives in memory of their dear father Bert Hackett who sadly passed away earlier this year, after a brave battle with cancer. 

Words from Lee - In childhood, we looked up to our Dad with the greatest respect; he taught us values throughout our lives we cherish dearly. The achievements we have made, both personal and business, have been due to the morals and guidance he gave, without our Dad we would not be who we are today.

For those who knew or met Dad, would have been instantly captivated by his warmth, kindness and great sense of humour.  He would always have a tale, a joke and certainly a smile to give. He was a great man, a great dad, a great best friend, most of all he was our greatest inspiration. 

We are doing this trek in memory of our Dad and to show our gratitude to the staff at Marie Curie and help others have the same dignity as our Dad in the final stages of this illness. I urge you all to donate, as it helps so many.

My Dad was my inspiration, my idol and I miss him dearly - Lee Hackett

Words from Peter - The Marie Curie Hospice gave my Dad and all the family that extra support during his last few weeks so we could concentrate on just spending time together, talk about the great times and all our memories and not have to worry about his medication and constant care, especially as Mum was his main carer for many months.
 
Speaking personally, I found the Marie Curie Hospice a great comfort and support to me and I was able to spend the time with Dad that I needed. Dad I know will be 100% behind us and very proud that we are raising funds for Marie Curie, so other families may benefit as we have. Dad was a shining light in my life and a perfect example of what a Dad should be, he may be gone but he will never be forgotten. 

It will be Dad's birthday the day after we reach the summit and we plan on lighting a candle in a cake in his memory when we reach the top.
 
Please give as much as you can to support a fantastic Charity - Peter Hackett

The mission - The brothers will be trekking to the summit of Mount Toubkal, Morocco in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care. Which involves 4 days hard trek across the sparsely vegetated mountains of the Toubkal Massif, characterised by terraced cliffs, enormous escarpments, deep gorges and flat-topped summits. The scenery is spectacular.
 
The four day trek begins by climbing over 1,300m steadily uphill along mule paths and tracks for between five to eight hours. Trek begins with a gradual ascent to the village of Aremd at 1,880m before following along the tiny river of Assif n’Tafklast.  Visiting isolated Berber hamlets and trek steadily up to the sanctuary of Sidi Chamharouch at 2,310m. The path becomes steeper on the final stretch towards first camp at the Neltner Refuge, at 3,050m. The next day start early towards Mount Toubkal. We will set off in the dark guided by our head torches and trek for four to five hours, climbing over 1,000m, which begins with a steep ascent through a narrow valley with lots of rocks and stones. Vegetation is very rare at this altitude. Then the trail climbs steadily to take you to the higher reaches of this rugged, spectacular mountain. After another steep ascent, will reach the large ridge will reach the summit.  

Marie Curie Cancer Care provides high quality nursing totally free, to give terminally ill people the choice of dying at home supported by their families. The Marie Curie Hospice actively promotes quality of life for people with cancer and provides support for their families. The services are completely free to patients. World-class scientists at the Marie Curie Research Institute are investigating how cancer develops to find better ways of treating the disease in the future.
 
At Marie Curie Cancer Care, we think people with cancer should be able to decide where they spend the last few weeks of their life. Our nurses work through the day or night, usually for eight or nine hours at a time, to care for the patient and allow the family to get some well-earned rest.  In addition to providing home nursing care, your local Marie Curie Hospice actively promotes quality of life for people with cancer and provides support for their families. The services are completely free to patients.
 
The charity was founded in 1948 as the Marie Curie Memorial Foundation, the same year as the NHS, adopting Marie Curie’s name in honour of her discovery of radium, which contributed to the development of radiotherapy treatment. Following a nationwide survey of cancer needs, it was decided to establish a charity to "attack and allay the disease of cancer; to alleviate the suffering, promote the welfare and relief of patients and to investigate the causes, distribution and treatment of the disease whilst promoting its cure".
 
Only 50% of funding comes from the NHS, the rest is solely from donations, to help Marie Curie provide this essential care funds are desperately required.
 
Please give generously as your help is vital.  Lee & Peter