Whilst traveling back from a camping trip, on the 26th June 2011, my Grandparents had a big car crash along side Thirlmere.

Me Grandad was airlifted over to Middlesbrough James Cook Hospital with numerous life threatening injuries. We were very lucky that he made it through, after receiving brilliant treatment from the hospital and GNAAS.

In 2013, I cycled Lands End to John O'Groats with my mate Charlie. We did the whole thing dressed as Spiderman and Batman. Which was inspired by my Grandad. I grew up thinking he really was Spiderman, he was called Pete Parkins, so you can understand my reasoning.

On that epic bike ride I was joined for a few miles by Nana and Grandad on their bikes. I had tears streaming down my face the whole time as I cycled along side Thirlmere with them and back into Keswick.

As we reached John O'Groats we'd raised £2700. Shortly after the ride Charlie got a batman tattoo on his bum, and I got the Spiderman logo on mine. Which helped us get an extra £300.

Charlie and I managed to raise £3000 in total. Meaning I like to think we paid for Grandad's trip in the air ambulance.

On the 26th June 2021, almost exactly 10 years to the minute since their car crash, Nana and Grandad were at the Moot Hall to cheer me in as I finished my Bob Graham Round. I have a video saved on my phone from that moment. Everyone was in tears. Not just because of my achievement, but also the fact that they were both still here with us ten years on.

Sadly in 2022 we lost my Nana. Which was a devastating moment for the family. We almost felt like we were being selfish wanting her to still be with us. After all we got 10 more years with her after thinking we'd lost them in that car crash. Life took some adjusting and there was a big hole in the family without her.

In January 2025, on what would have been their wedding anniversary, my grandad passed away in Carlisle hospital. Another devastating blow, but I feel at ease knowing that he can be with my Nana again.

I'm not sure what life will be like without my two heros. I feel very lucky to have had my grandparents still in my adult life, and for them to have been there for all my achievements.

One of the most recent achievements is the film, George, made by James Appleton. At 91 years old my Grandad attended the premier at the cinema. He pretty much stole the show, everybody wanted to meet him at the end. He came up to me and said "I know you! You're George's dad". My uncle John burned a copy onto a DVD for my Grandad, who watched it loads, partly because he'd forgotten he'd seen it and what happens, but also because of him being very proud and watching to watch the stunning scenery of the fells he loved to run.

I've struggled to find a platform to share the link, as it's still in at cinemas and mountain festivals. So if you are able to donate, as a thank you I'll send you a link to watch it.

This year I'm running a few events that I've not done before. Manchester Marathon, in April. Lakeland 50, in July and now The Great North Run, in September.

The following day after my Grandad's passing we were all up at their house having lunch and me and my Aunty Della both decided to enter it. With my mam and Rachael May already doing it we thought we'd make it a family day out and fun it.

So I'm going to share this just giving link to raise some money for all those events in memory of Nana and Grandad.

Anything you can donate it greatly appreciated.

The Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) rescues hundreds of severely injured or ill patients every year throughout the North East, North Yorkshire and Cumbria. Their doctor-led critical care teams deliver life-saving treatments at the scene of the incident whether that is on a fell top, a roadside or in a city centre. The charity responded to 1,640 call outs last year* alone, via their helicopter and emergency response vehicles, where they performed treatments and procedures which can mean the difference between life or death.