Hello!

A group of 6 of us are taking on the Three Peaks Challenge this September, both as a physical challenge and an opportunity to raise money for a great cause.

On the challenge side, Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon are the three tallest peaks in Scotland, England and Wales respectively. Each hike promises beautiful scenery (except for Snowdon, as we'll be doing that in the dark...) and ultimately a good excuse for us all to get together. The X-factor to the challenge is that all 3 peaks must be summitted within a 24 hour period... Amanda Holden has done it, so we figure it must be possible?!

On the fundraising side, Myeloma UK are undertaking fantastic research into a cancer that accounts for 2% of all cancers. It is relatively un-talked about, yet as a form of blood cancer it can have significant impacts on the lives of those it affects. Around 24,000 people in the UK are living with Myeloma at any one time.

To make donating all the more appealing, our driver for the trip, a certain Mr Jonathan Else, was diagnosed with Myeloma a few years ago. This job will mean dropping us off and driving us between each hike, over 10 hours of driving in one day, and then collecting us at the end after only a few hours' sleep. All at the age of 61 (years young). Proof that, if treated properly, you can do anything!

Myeloma is, however, an incurable and recurrent cancer, meaning that although treatment can be very effective at reducing symptoms and the spread of the cancer, Myeloma will always return even if a period of treatment has been successful and resulted, effectively, in remission. As such, it is a condition that patients must live with for a huge part of their lives, with symptoms including fatigue, bone pain, kidney issues and predisposition to infection in general terms.

Luckily, due to the work of organisations like Myeloma UK, treatment is often successful and sufferers can live largely normal lives. But, as with many such conditions, it often goes undiagnosed and therefore untreated.

We hope to raise as much money as we can for this great charity.

Please do donate if you can!

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. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.