National healthcare charity Sue Ryder is calling on people to climb Yorkshire’s three highest peaks this June and raise vital funds to support the expert end-of-life care it provides in the county.
Set against the stunning backdrop of the beautiful Yorkshire Dales National Park, the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge starts at Horton-in-Ribblesdale and follows a route which ascends the peaks of Ingleborough, Whernside and Pen-y-ghent.
The challenging 24.5 mile walk, which includes 5,000ft of ascent, will take place on Saturday 11 June in aid of Sue Ryder, with all trekkers aiming to finish within the 12-hour time limit.
Alex Walker from Rothwell is taking on the challenge this summer with her husband Jamie and brother Stuart to raise funds for Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice, after her dad, Andy, received care at the hospice in Oxenhope before he passed away in July 2021.
“My father spent his final days at the hospice and the level of care he received was phenomenal,” Alex said. “While he was only there for a short time, it gave us great comfort to see he was being well cared for and that he was pain free. They provide an invaluable service, which makes such a difference to families like ours.”
“My last image of my dad is of him looking incredibly peaceful and that is thanks to the amazing team at Manorlands. He even had his trademark moustache back, which was lovely to see! Dad was able to pass with dignity, in a room overlooking a beautiful garden – which he would have loved.”
The trio hope to complete the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge on the first anniversary of Andy’s death.
“We want to undertake this fundraising effort to honour dad’s memory and do something positive to help others when they need it most, rather than sitting around feeling sorry for ourselves on an otherwise difficult day. Dad loved getting out walking around Yorkshire, so it feels like a very apt – though slightly daunting – challenge!”
Adam Brunskill, Community Fundraiser, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Alex, Stuart and Jamie for taking on the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge to raise vital funds for our hospice. It’s a brilliant challenge to take on with a group of friends, family or work colleagues and it’s not too late to sign-up if you want to take part for a great cause.
“For those that are looking for a more family-friendly option, we also have the six-mile Yorkshire One Peak Challenge on the same day, where participants can take on the peak of Pen-y-ghent. Every pound raised through both challenges will help us to continue to be there when it matters for local families going through the most difficult times of their lives.”
People who sign up to the Sue Ryder Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge will receive support every step of the way, including assistance from qualified Mountain Leaders throughout the route and encouragement from Sue Ryder’s local fundraising team. They will also receive a welcome pack, kit list, Sue Ryder T-shirt and refreshments.
Registration costs £30pp with a minimum fundraising target of £200, which will make all the difference to patients and families needing Sue Ryder’s expert care. To sign up and find out more, visit: sueryder.org/yorkshire3peaks
Sue Ryder provides expert and compassionate palliative care to people living with life-limiting conditions in Yorkshire through Manorlands Hospice near Keighley and Wheatfields Hospice in Leeds.
