Three mountains. Two causes. One very personal challenge.

I am taking on the National Three Peaks Challenge to raise money for two causes that mean a great deal to me and my family: Brain Tumour Research and Leeds Hospitals Charity, supporting the Urology team at St James’s University Hospital in Leeds.

The first is in memory of my brother, John.

John died from a brain tumour in November 2021. He left behind his wife, Debra, his daughter, Faye, and his son, Joseph.

John was a local hero, an all round good egg, and someone who is missed every single day by those who knew and loved him.

Before he died, I promised him that I would raise money for charity in his memory. This challenge is part of keeping that promise.

The second cause is much more recent and equally personal.

In April 2025, my wife Andrea was treated for kidney cancer and had to undergo major surgery to have one of her kidneys removed. She received fantastic care from the Urology team at St James’s University Hospital in Leeds. The skill, professionalism and compassion shown by the team meant a huge amount to Andrea, to me and to our family.

When someone you love is told they have cancer, life suddenly feels very different. We will always be enormously grateful to the people who looked after Andrea through her treatment and surgery.

Taking on the National Three Peaks feels like the right way to say thank you, to remember John and to support two causes that have had such a profound impact on our lives.

The challenge involves climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), the highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales.

It will be tough, but every step will have a purpose.

I am hoping to divide the money raised as evenly as possible between Brain Tumour Research and Leeds Hospitals Charity in support of the Urology team at St James’s. If you are able to donate, please choose either of the two charities below. Every donation, whatever the amount, will be genuinely appreciated.

Thank you for your support.

For John. For Andrea. And for the incredible people who help families like ours every day.