We are a team of 12 seeking to embark on some gruelling challenges. The whole team will set off on the mission of climbing the 3 Peaks (Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, Snowden) on April 12th, aiming to complete it within 24 hours. 5 of us will head to Tanzania in June to climb the majestic Kilimanjaro!
3 Peaks team:- Ash Dyer, Ash Gunnell, Frankie Smyth, Henry Chandler, Isaac Brind, Jadie Stiven, Matt Richley, Nick Richley, Ollie Green, Paul Brind, Simon Martin, Tim Pinkstone.
Kilimanjaro Team:- Ash Dyer, Frankie Smyth, Matt Richley, Nick Richley, Simon Martin
Our challenge is the first signature fundraising event of the newly established Alfie Nick Foundation set up in memory of Alfie, who tragically lost his life on a family holiday at the age of just 17.
The foundation supports disadvantaged children and specifically those who have been in the care system, have disabilities or struggle with mental health. Our motivation is best described in the story below.
No parent ever imagines setting up a foundation in their child’s name. It’s a path no one wants to walk - a journey born of unimaginable loss and unparalleled heartache. Yet, when the unthinkable happens, what compels a parent to take such steps? For us, it is the belief that even in the deepest sorrow, hope can emerge.
In October 2023, our lives changed forever. My wife, Rachel, was diagnosed with breast cancer and our world was rocked. Knowing the long road before us, we took a family holiday to Center Parcs during the October half term. We left as a family of six and came back as a family of five. On the penultimate day of our holiday, our dear son Alfie, 17, fell from his skateboard and died from traumatic abdominal injuries. A freak accident meant our first child was no longer with us and the suffocating agony remains with us each day.
Rachel faced her battle with cancer head-on, enduring months of intense chemotherapy whilst grieving the loss of her precious boy. When she finally rang the bell to mark the end of her treatment, it was a bittersweet moment. The moment of triumph was overshadowed by the aching absence of Alfie, who would have been so proud to witness his mum’s incredible strength and perseverance. He would have been her biggest cheerleader! We are learning to walk again, but it is not the same walk. We walk with a limp - a daily reminder of our loss. Yet, in the midst of our grief, we have hope, and it is our desire to help others find hope in the heartache. This is the mission of the Alfie Nick Foundation.
It is vital to us that the Alfie Nick Foundation reflects who Alfie was and honours the legacy he left behind. Alfie was fearless, courageous, and deeply compassionate. He cared profoundly for others, especially those who were less fortunate – he had time for everybody. Despite his own challenges, including a diagnosis of ADHD and mental health struggles in his late teens, Alfie’s heart was always to be outward looking and put the needs of others before his own. Adopting our four children from a young age is one of our greatest joys and we have seen firsthand the heartache being experienced in the care system today. We’ve also experienced the challenges faced by families who love and support children with complex needs and mental health challenges. While Alfie was fortunate to receive support, we know many children and families are not able to access the support their children need.
With your help, the Alfie Nick Foundation will work to support disadvantaged children who have been in the care system, live with disabilities, or face mental health challenges. We will partner with like-minded organisations to ensure these vulnerable children receive the resources, care, and opportunities they need to thrive. Our mission is rooted in Alfie’s deep compassion for others. His legacy will live on through this work, bringing hope to children and families in need. Together, we can give disadvantaged children hope and a brighter future.
Alfie’s lived his life with faith, love, courage, and kindness. Though he is no longer with us, his legacy inspires us to continue making a difference – we want to be more like Alfie. There is hope in the heartache, and we invite you to join us in spreading that hope. Your donations can help us honour Alfie’s legacy and bring lasting change to the lives of vulnerable and disadvantaged children.
Thank you.
Nick Richley, Founder of the Alfie Nick Foundation
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