Ten childhood friends have conquered one of the UK’s most gruelling endurance challenges to raise more than £5,000 for Isabel Hospice.
Jamie Morgan, Christopher White, Philip Briden, Russ Burke, Paul Greenaway, Darren May, Mike Tebbut, Paul Cooper, David Gandolfo and Scott Pearson, who know each other from Broxbourne School or playing football together for Spennytown FC in Hoddesdon, came up with the idea of taking on the Three Peaks Challenge – climbing the three highest mountains in England, Scotland and Wales in 24 hours – during one of many lockdown walks late last year.
Russ said: “A lot of us had just, or were nearly, turning 40, so the urge to complete a challenge to open up a new decade seemed like a good idea.
“We ended up finalising the numbers and began booking flights and transport. It wasn’t until later on that Jamie, who had done the main bulk of the organising, threw out the idea of us doing this for charity.
“Three of the 10 of us have been directly impacted by the amazing support Isabel Hospice provides, so it was an easy decision what charity to choose.”
Paul Greenaway’s mum Linda was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer in October 2017, coming into the Hospice after becoming very ill on Christmas Day. Paul said: “The staff were amazing and did all they could to look after her in her last few days until she passed away on New Year’s Day 2018. The Hospice is so important to allow families to spend time with their ill loved ones in a comfortable and friendly environment. It was great for us to do this challenge to help raise money for such an amazing charity.”
Mike Tebbut’s dad Phil was admitted to the Hospice in January 2018 after being diagnosed with bile duct cancer. “The doctors, nurses and volunteers who cared for my dad while he was there were simply amazing,” he said. “Dad was so grateful to be cared for in such an individual and emotionally-connected manner that he referred to everyone there as ‘his angels’.
“It wasn’t just Dad who benefitted from the Hospice and the ‘angels’ that work there though. Along with my mum, sister, niece and nephew we were all provided with so much comfort and support during the worst months of our lives. That continued even many weeks after Dad passed. We will be forever grateful for the support as we continue to fundraise as a family, with my mum now a volunteer at the Welwyn Garden City shop.”
And lastly, Russ’s dad, also Phil, was supported by Isabel’s Hospice at Home team after being diagnosed with bowel cancer in early 2010 and never fully recovering from emergency surgery in February of that year. He passed away in July 2011.
“Dad was referred to Isabel Hospice in May 2011 and frequent home visits helped us all come to terms with what was happening and gave us all a sound board to discuss sensitive and difficult topics.
“The Isabel Hospice team always responded with a level of empathy, care and understanding. Regular home visits and organising of equipment allowed Dad to pass away at home with his family by his side, as he wished.”
Having completed their epic feat, Russ added: “It was an amazing trip, including some breathtaking views. I think everyone found it difficult at times, some more than others, but having the added pressure of completing the challenge for Isabel Hospice definitely spurred us on and was no doubt a motivation for those of us who have been directly impacted by the great work you do.
“We all successfully completed the challenge, with eight out of the 10 of us doing it within the 24-hour mark.”
He added: “I was not expecting us to raise what we did, but the power of social media, and the continued spamming done during the trip, meant we managed to persuade enough people to donate to raise well over £5,000.
“Big thanks to Jamie, who rallied the troops and did most of the organising, and to Activus Outdoor Group, who transported us between each mountain safely and swiftly.”
