Please support our Welsh 3000s challenge in aid of children with cancer and their families.

We're doing this challenge in memory of Mark's 18-year-old stepson Oliver. Oliver died in January 2025, 10 months after being diagnosed with incurable stage IV cancer.

In June, Mark, Ian and Javi are taking on a daunting challenge - to summit all 15 peaks over 3000 feet in Wales within 24 hours.

We’re raising funds for the Joshua Tree (Supporting children living with cancer and their families), for Alice’s Escapes (providing holiday breaks for families of terminally ill children, and bereaved families) and to plant trees in Oliver's name.

Oliver's illness

Oliver, previously totally well and healthy, was diagnosed in March 2024 with a very rare form of cancer that had already spread to several areas of his body. He took all the drug therapies offered to him (targeted therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy). He endured so much and had incredible inner strength, perseverance and resilience.

Even after diagnosis he completed his A levels (achieving A* A* A) and gained a place at UCL to study a subject he was passionate about and had a real gift for; History of Art.

Oliver died in January 2025, 2 weeks before his 19th birthday. He was loved by so many people.

The Joshua Tree and Alice’s Escapes have given a lot of help to Oliver’s mum and little brother Albert, now Mark and his friends are raising funds to help support the important work they do for others.

The challenge

From the hike up to the first peak to the descent from the last peak, the challenge is over 30 miles in length and involves nearly 12,500 feet of elevation gain. The biggest challenge is to do this within 24 hours - so we'll be walking mostly non-stop all day and all night.

Your donations

The funds raised from us completing this challenge will be used in 3 ways;

1. To support the work of the Joshua Tree https://thejoshuatree.org.uk/

2. To support the work of Alice’s Escapes https://www.alices-escapes.co.uk/

3. Towards a way to remember Oliver in beautiful locations by funding the planting of Japanese cherry blossom trees in places meaningful to him