A 73-year-old veteran has completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge for the fifth time, raising more than £3,000 for Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice.
Ken Daw, a former Royal Army Corps member, finished the 24-mile trek in 11.5 hours, despite facing some of the worst weather he’s encountered on the challenge.
“The rain, the wind — it was horrendous,” said Ken. “Even my son, Joe, said it was ridiculous. But every thought was of Jane and Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice. That’s what pushed me on. I’m doing it for them.”
Ken’s wife, Jane, received end-of-life care at the Oxenhope-based hospice in 1997. After six weeks there, she returned home and died just a week later.
“Jane really settled in at Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice – she was sewing, painting, doing things she loved,” Ken said. “The staff were incredible. When the doctor told us she only had a couple of months, I took her home where she wanted to be. I was devastated when she died, and our son was only 10. But the care Sue Ryder Nurses gave her, I couldn’t have asked for more. That’s why I keep doing what I can.”
Ken is no stranger to fundraising. Earlier this year, he completed a 24-hour indoor cycling challenge, riding 253 miles in a single day.
“I trained solidly for 14 weeks – 12 hours a week. I’d done over 1,500 training miles before the event. When I got off the bike, I did 20 press-ups!” he said.
His resilience on the Three Peaks walk didn’t go unnoticed. Other walkers in the Yorkshire Active group drew strength from Ken’s determination.
“One of the women in the group, Michelle, said I inspired her to carry on during the hardest moments of the hike. That meant a lot. It’s not just the physical challenge – it’s emotional too. After I finished, I broke down and cried. It brought up some really tough memories of Jane telling me she had breast cancer.”
Ken credits regular exercise and the friendships he’s made through walking for helping him stay mentally and physically strong.
“The gym and Yorkshire Active keep me level-headed. It’s not just about fitness, it’s mental health too. That social side makes all the difference.”
Plans are already in motion for the next challenge: a 60-mile walk over 24 hours, expected next year.
“Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice needs all the support it can get to keep running, and I’m proud to do my part,” Ken said. “It’s in memory of Jane and in thanks to the people who cared for her. That means everything to me.”
Support Ken’s fundraising at www.justgiving.com/page/ken24
Learn more about Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice at www.sueryder.org/manorlands
