*****Please donate to the charity with the lower amount at the time, but if one holds special meaning to you, feel free to choose that charity. Your support for either cause is truly appreciated*****

The Challenge

This June, my friends and I are taking on the National Three Peaks Challenge to raise vital funds for Young Lives vs Cancer and Anthony Nolan, two charities that mean a lot to us.

The challenge involves climbing the three highest peaks in the UK—Ben Nevis in Scotland, Scafell Pike in England, and Snowdon in Wales—all within 24 hours. Together, the peaks cover a total distance of around 37 kilometres with a combined ascent of over 3,000 metres, making it a true test of endurance. It’s physically and mentally demanding, but it’s nothing compared to the overwhelming fear, uncertainty, and life-altering challenges faced by those helped by Anthony Nolan and Young Lives vs Cancer.

About the Causes

YOUNG LIVES VS CANCER

When my girlfriend was first diagnosed and started chemotherapy in 2019, I saw firsthand the terror that cancer brings to a young person’s life. The fear of the unknown, the daunting hospital visits, and the constant worry about the future—it can be a heavy, isolating burden. Young Lives vs Cancer was there to support her through it all. They were a source of comfort, providing not just practical help, but emotional support for both her and our family.

Young Lives vs Cancer is dedicated to ensuring young people and their families never have to face cancer alone. They offer a wide range of services, including specialist support workers who guide families through the complexities of cancer treatment, providing emotional support and practical assistance like financial advice and help with travel or accommodation during hospital visits. Their homes from home and cancer support hubs give young people a place to rest, find comfort, and connect with others who understand what they’re going through.

By offering practical, emotional, and financial support, they allow young people to focus on their health and healing, knowing they are supported every step of the way.

ANTHONY NOLAN

Anthony Nolan’s story is one of extraordinary hope. In 1974, Shirley Nolan founded the charity after her three-year-old son, Anthony, was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder and needed a bone marrow transplant. At that time, there was no system in place to match donors to patients, so Shirley created the world’s first bone marrow register. Since then, Anthony Nolan has grown into a life-saving organisation, helping thousands of patients find their match and giving them a second chance at life.

This cause is personal to me and my friends. My girlfriend recently underwent a stem cell transplant after relapsing with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. While we were fortunate that she could use her own stem cells, it opened our eyes to the immense challenges faced by those waiting for donor matches. For many, Anthony Nolan is the lifeline that connects them to a second chance at life.

Today, Anthony Nolan’s work goes far beyond the donor register. They provide vital support for patients and their families, conduct cutting-edge research into stem cell transplants, and campaign for better treatments and access to care.

Thank you so much for your generous support—your donation will truly make a world of difference in the lives of those who need it most.

Niall, Tom, Sam, Ben, Will, Rob, Scott