Spain’s Sierra Nevada Three Peaks Trek appeal for The Christie cancer hospital

This is an appeal for donations to support and expand The Christie Hospitals, Manchester and Macclesfield, in their cancer research and treatment of cancer patients. To support the hospitals, I have set myself a challenge, joining a group of like-minded persons, in climbing Spain’s three highest mountains clustered together in Spain’s Sierra Nevada Mountains range.

Why this charity appeal?

I was 74 years old when in autumn 2019 I was diagnosed with cancer in my bladder.  Unfortunately, it had progressed to Stage Three (out of Four), breaking through my bladder wall and showed evidence of lodging in my lungs and some lymph glands.  Very fortunately, despite the upheavals of the Covid pandemic, I was cared for by renowned ‘The Christie Hospital’ in Manchester which specialises in cancer treatments. On regular visits I received a progression of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy.

The professional, and sensitively administered, application of modern new drugs and treatments to patients at The Christie Hospital, has cleared me of signs of cancer, such that, now, I am simply monitored, like many other recovered patients on infrequent, but regular visits there, with a CT scan.

It might seem odd, but I enjoy these visits. The hospital is modern, brightly decorated and the staff have a a purposeful and cheerful approach. The hospital, with modern new research and specialist treatment wings, and its newly built sister hospital, The Christie at Macclesfield, are at the very forefront of cancer research and treatments.

This ongoing development must be encouraging for a constant flow of patients, who have differing forms of cancer at various stages of treatment, in the UK’s north and west of England and Wales.

My Challenge

The event, 13^th to 17^th September this summer, has three trekking days to climb Spain’s Sierra Nevada highest peaks.  These are Veleta, Mulhacen and Alcazaba at altitudes 3394m (11,135ft), 3482m (11,424ft)  and 3371m (11,060ft) respectively.

The three days trek covers 48km with 3000m accumulative ascent at altitudes between 2500m and 3480m above sea level.    

Our Spain Three Peaks Team participants have each been given a training schedule for the next four months to build our body upper and lower strengths, and our endurance and aerobic fitnesses. The schedule is especially important for me - aged 78! 

I love walking in the mountains, so this seems, not only a fitting challenge, but a wonderful opportunity to express my gratitude to The Christie Hospital for the full and active life that their research and treatment has allowed me to continue enjoying.

My Commitment

I am committed to raising a minimum sponsorship of £2,250,
but I will be disappointed if I do not raise £7,500 as ‘the goal’ with all your contributions.

Since I live adjacent to the fells of the Peak District, and not far from the mountains of Wales and the Lake District, and have a good gym nearby, I have every opportunity to work at achieving my goal for The Christie Hospitals with a contribution from you.

My Progress to Fitness for the Challenge

It's early July and I am feeling fit and confident about the trip.  Since April I have been walking with East Cheshire Ramblers long-walkers, with friends from the Ski Club of Manchester, and I have walked several long walks by myself both in the Peak District and in the Lake District. I have spent weekends away with both groups in Wales and the Lake District. For a day's walk I may accumulate between 1500 and 4000 feet of ascent and cover 9 to 16 miles (so far this summer). The more notable walks were:-

In the Peak District...... The Gritstone Trail (with ECR over three days); Bamford & Stanage Edges day circular from Bamford station by myself;.... Derwent & Cartledge Edges & Dale Dike Reservoir day circular from Cutthroat Bridge by myself.

In the Lake District....From Tilberthwaite car park.... ascend T. Gill, Wetherlam, Swirl How, The Old Man of Coniston, descent to and cross Miners Bridge, ascend to Hole Rake and return to descend T.Gill to car park. (9.7 miles and 3980 feet accum. ascent/descent). 

Some friends and I have walks in the Yorkshire Dales planned which will include the Yorkshire Three Peaks iin late August. That will be a challenge!