Hi Everyone,
Thanks for reading this.  My name is Ed and I’m 14.  This year my Grandpa was diagnosed with prostate cancer.  Unfortunately it's spread and so he's got to have chemotherapy.  It feels a bit rubbish that I can't do anything to help him, so I’ve decided to do something to raise money to support research into the diagnosis and treatment of this disease.  So, this summer term, I am taking on three big challenges organised through my School - Beechen Cliff - along with an additional family march to raise money for Prostate Cancer UK.  I’ll be doing the Ten Tors, the March for Men, the 3 Peaks and the Centurion Challenge – the last two of these are happening in the same week, so I'll get lots of blisters.

They reckon that the average person knows 1,000 people.  So if everyone who knows me, or one of my family, sponsors me just 20p, then I could raise over £1,400.

Prostate Cancer UK has a nice simple aim - to stop men dying from prostate cancer.  They want to stop prostate cancer from killing people by shifting the science to focus on radical improvements in diagnosis, treatment, prevention and support.  Every penny that I can raise will help to achieve that.

11th May – Ten Tors Challenge

I led my team along a 35 mile hike over the rough terrain of Dartmoor, visiting ten nominated tors along our route. We had to be self-sufficient and navigate the route with map and compass and carry everything we needed to complete the route and stay out overnight safely on the moor.  I have written an account of the experience in my newsletter update, which you can see in all the updates on this page.

17th June – The Bristol March for Men

The March for Men is an event organised by Prostate Cancer UK.  There are several marches taking place across the country.  The Bristol march takes place at Blaise Castle and involves a 10k walk through its beautiful estate.  It's Fathers' day on the 17th, so we're going to do the walk as a family and hope to raise some extra money for Prostate Cancer UK along the way.  It's an open event, so anyone who wants to can come and join us!

30th June – National 3 Peaks Challenge

The National Three Peaks Challenge involves climbing the three highest peaks of Scotland, England and Wales – Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Mount Snowdon - within 24 hours.  The total walking distance is 23 miles (37km) and the total ascent is 3064 metres (10,052ft).  We'll be setting off to drive up to Scotland on 29th June and will get back on 1st July. 

6th July – Centurion Challenge

The Centurion Challenge has been an honourable tradition at my school for 50 years.  It is a 100 mile walk – Bath to Hungerford and back – starting at 4pm on Friday 6th July and finishing at 4pm on Sunday 8th July.  It must be completed within 48 hours in order to be named a “Centurion”.  I’ll be finishing my challenge with this event, just five days after finishing the three Peaks Challenge (the equivalent distance of four and a half marathons in a week)

I have been really amazed by the support that I have already received from so many people to raise money for Prostate Cancer UK.  I want to raise as much as I can, so I hope that you will be able to sponsor me a small amount for doing these four events.   As the founder of the Ten Tors Challenge said:  “If there is anything more important than the will to succeed, it is that the will shall not falter.”

Thank you very much for your support.

Ed