We’re taking on the National Three Peaks Challenge to raise money for The Tessa Jowell Foundation.

We’re no strangers to a good hike, but we’re in no doubt that this challenge will put us to the test! In September we’ll take on the challenge that involves climbing the highest peak in Scotland, England and Wales within 24 hours (including the time taken to travel between the peaks - a distance of 462 miles). The total walking distance is 23 miles with a total ascent is 3064 metres!

The Tessa Jowell Foundation (TJF) was founded to fulfil the legacy of Tessa Jowell MP, who died from a glioblastoma (the most aggressive form of brain cancer) in 2018. TJF’s mission is to ensure excellence in treatment, care and research for NHS brain cancer patients.

The average prognosis for brain cancer patients is just 12-18 months, and despite brain cancer being the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under 40, treatment options for patients have not changed in decades. TJF is aiming to improve outcomes through initiatives such as its UK Centres of Excellence programme.

Alex Savage (Benji’s brother-in-law) was diagnosed with a glioblastoma in August 2021 and was given a prognosis of 14 months. He recently completed 12 months of chemotherapy at Guy’s Hospital in London, which is a Tessa Jowell Centre of Excellence hospital. He is currently healthy and his cancer is under control, but brain cancer is an incurable disease.

All money raised will go towards continuing the fine work of the Tessa Jowell Foundation, so it can support improved treatment outcomes for patients like Alex. The Foundation is hoping to roll out its Centres of Excellence programme for children in the coming months, and this money will go directly towards supporting this endeavour.

If you want to read more on Alex’s story:

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/man-wakes-up-smelling-burnt-27517168