On 2nd October, we (Danny, Dave, Gaz, Gordon, Liam, Richard, Rick and Sam) are going to attempt the Yorkshire 3 Peaks challenge.  We’ll be walking to raise money for the St Barnabas Hospice, and in loving memory of our friend Phil McConnell.

In December 2019, Phil was diagnosed with cancer.  Following hospital treatment, Phil was moved to St Barnabas Hospice in Lincoln, where he passed away in February 2020.

We were able to visit Phil during his stay at St Barnabas.  In the bright day room of the hospice, a rolling cast of Phil’s family, colleagues and friends dropped in to spend time with him.  Characteristically Phil, despite being visibly tired, was the model host - making everyone around him feel welcome and comfortable; asking after our families and about our news; cracking jokes.  At the end of our visit, as we hugged our goodbyes, Phil told us he was going to fight his illness - and we knew that nobody would fight harder than him.  The next morning, we heard that Phil had died a few hours after we left.

We have seen at first hand the humanity and care which St Barnabas offers to its patients and to their families.  We understand the value of providing an environment where loved ones can come together and cherish the time which remains, in comfort and in peace.  We want to offer our support to ensure that this vital service is available for others in future, so that it can support and care for them in the way that it supported and cared for our friend.

The Yorkshire 3 Peaks is a 24 mile (38.6km) route, taking in three climbs in the Pennine range, with a combined ascent of 1585m (5200ft).  We’re aiming to complete it in 12 hours.  We’re under no illusions that this will be a walk in the park, but we’re looking forward to the challenge and would be hugely grateful for any support you could offer.

There will of course be one notable absence from that group setting off in October.  But Phil will be 100% there in spirit.  In fact he’ll be awake first, ahead of the pre-dawn start, brewing up some fiercely strong coffee for the rest of us.  He’ll be leading the way on every ascent, keeping our spirits up with his infectious enthusiasm and no doubt a few dirty jokes.  And he’ll be right there in our circle at the pub afterwards, swapping stories and laughs until late in the night.

This is for you Phil.  We love you buddy.

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