The Peaky Climbers take on the Three Peaks for Brain Tumour Support

6 June 2024 | Fundraising, Supporters

A group of Bristol climbers are hoping to raise £10,000 for Brain Tumour Support

On Saturday June 8th, a team of friends, with support from The Lifeboat Inn in Bristol, will be attempting to complete the National Three Peaks Challenge to raise funds and awareness for Brain Tumour Support.

The National Three Peaks Challenge involves climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon – the 3 highest peaks of Scotland, England and Wales – within 24 hours. It includes over 23 miles of walking with an ascent of over 3000 metres, as well as over 450 miles of driving.

The team of eight climbers and three support crew are known as ‘The Shirehampton Peaky Climbers’ and are hoping to raise £10,000 to fund vital support for patients, families and carers affected by brain tumours.

Personal motivation

One of the climbers, Ben Smart, explained why he’s taking on the challenge: “In November 2023, my Dad experienced uncontrollable spasms and a huge seizure. Hospital tests revealed a grade 4 glioblastoma brain tumour and he had an operation to remove it, as well as radiotherapy and chemotherapy. We hope the treatment is successful and that Dad has many good times ahead with friends and family.

“There are also other friends and families in our local community who have been affected by this awful type of brain tumour, and this challenge will be in honour of them all too”.

One of those remembered is Bill Dungey, stepdad to Ben’s brother-in-law Jonathan Golder, who is also on the challenge. Bill passed away in 2004, and a walk in his memory – which became an annual event for a number of years – featured as a fundraiser in the first ever newsletter of the charity (then called Hammer Out). So there is a very long-standing and poignant link with the work of Brain Tumour Support.

Charity CEO Tina Mitchell Skinner said: “I am overwhelmed at the amount that The Peaky Climbers have raised so far, and the hard work which has gone into the training for this challenge.

“It means such a lot that a family who were supported by us and raised funds 20 years ago, as our charity was establishing, are supporting us again, and it is so tragic that for a second time they have been hit by this devastating disease.

“The generosity and support shown through this incredible fundraising helps to ensure we can reach many more families like theirs all these years later.”

Brothers-in-law talk to BBC Radio Bristol

Ben and Jonathan were recently interviewed on BBC Bristol. You can listen to their story here https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0ht0vhy  (starts at approx 2 hours 10 minutes).

The fundraising target

The Peaky Climbers have raised over £8,000 so far and are hoping to reach their target of £10,000 – Donations to their fundraiser can be made here: https://www.justgiving.com/team/the-peaky-climbers-