The Challenge

Trekking over 12 hours, climbing three peaks in the Yorkshire Three Peaks. Covering 24 miles and includes over 1,450m of ascent.

Why?!

Buckle in with a cuppa while I explain why I’m taking on this challenge. It has been a bonkers 14 years since we lost my amazing, wonderful Mum, Theresa. She was so very loved and cherished by so many. If you knew mum, if you close her eyes I imagine you can still see her cheeky smile, warm laugh and feel her fantastic hugs. As a reminder, she was just 54 years old when she passed away from a glioblastoma, just 6 months after diagnosis. Not only that but my brave, courageous Mum suffered greatly after her initial operation and was paralysed down one side, struggled to speak, battled huge daily pain and complications following the surgery. She was honestly one of life's truly wonderful people, and despite the difficulties she faced, was as always my Mum. Still made everyone smile and adore her, effortlessly. She was and always will be my biggest inspiration and I feel truly grateful for the time I had with her. 19 years of having the very best mum is something to treasure.

With it being such a long time since losing mum it can feel like it isn't right taking on a challenge in her memory, and asking you wonderful people for cash in these difficult times. However, as many of you know I work for The Brain Tumour Charity, and I hear everyday about the devastating consequences they continue to have on peoples lives. Things haven't changed. It is gut wrenching the lack of progress that's been made due to chronic under funding and how for many receiving this devastating diagnosis, it is still a death sentence. For others they are left with life long, difficult side effects due to cruel and harmful treatments.

It’s not just Mum who we lost to a brain tumour but it would be wrong to not mention my amazing Uncle Ken and Grandad. Along with many amazing supporters I’ve worked with over the years. A special mention to Harriet Downing, a truly remarkable and amazing young lady who made a profound impact on my life, who passed away aged 31. Her positivity, determination and light will always shine in my memory. Finally the wonderful and hilariously funny Dougie, a young man with a gorgeous little girl who I had the pleasure of trekking Iceland with, along with an incredible bunch of supporters. Sadly this is just a short list as 34 people are diagnosed with a brain tumour each day.

I'm learning that as time passes, grief never disappears and I still miss my beautiful Mum like it happened yesterday. Mostly it breaks my heart she can't see her beautiful grandchildren. She would have been the very best Grandma. The girls know and talk about Grandma Theresa and every bright star we see, we think of her. Every dance around the kitchen, I think of her. And much to Adam's delight us girls continue the shopaholic gene.

Since having the girls, who I love beyond measure I have lost myself a little. Many mothers will I'm sure understand. Things have looked quite foggy and my once healthy active body that walked marathons and climbed mountains is not there. So..... I've signed up to The Yorkshire Three Peaks! 24 miles in 12 hours with 3 peaks in the way. (I initially put mountains and Adam told me that wasn’t accurate and a little dramatic but they will feel it to me!)... To say I'm daunted is an understatement, but I'm determined this is the year to take on the challenge I've been wanting to take on for Mum for many years. I want my girls to continue to know how important their Grandma Theresa was and do a challenge that will hopefully make them proud too.

By taking on this challenge I hope to raise much needed cash to accelerate towards a cure for brain tumours and so those going through this terrible disease live better and longer lives. Awesome research is happening and better support is now available…. I’d love your help to help the charity do even more. I’m very grateful for your time and for reading about my fundraising challenge. ❤️