In September I will be taking on Julia's House' 24 peaks challenge, covering 29.2miles over two days of hiking across the Lake District. I will be ascending over 3,299 meters in two days - equivalent to climbing the height of the Eiffel Tower 10 times or Big Ben over 34 times and will include hiking England's tallest mountain, Scafell Pike.

Why?

In August 2022 our lives changed forever when our then 5-month old son, Jacob, started having seizures. After weeks in hospital and many tests and scans the doctors discovered that Jacob's brain had not developed in the same way as a normal child's, months later we found out that this is due to a genetic change which has never been reported worldwide - he is 1 in 8.1 billion.

What does this all mean?

Jacob is the happiest boy I know, however at the age of two he is currently developmentally the same as a 3-month old baby and we are unsure as to whether he will ever be able to walk, talk or eat safely to name a few things. He is developing amazingly, but at his own pace. Jacob's routine consists of over 20 different doses of medicines a day, NG tube feeds 5 times a day, constant physio and multiple doctor's appointments each week. Jacob needs constant interaction throughout the day as he is unable to entertain or do anything for himself. Jacob is in and out of hospital due to seizures relapses as well as being prone to getting chest infections, bronchiolitis & pneumonia.

Why Julia's House?

Julia's House are an incredible charity who provide amazing respite and hospice care for our family along with many other families. Jacob loves it when his nurses & carers come to the house, lighting up when he sees a familiar face. They are incredibly attentive and we are at ease leaving him with the team as they 100% understand his needs. The hospice is a lovely place and we know that Jacob is safe and well cared for. The time Jacob spends with the hospice gives myself and my wife, Lucy a break from Jacob's routine, and normally a chance to do some 'normal' things like tidying the house, gardening, shopping, going to the gym or spending time together.

Julia's House is almost entirely funded through donations, with only 8% coming through government grants in 2023, in the same year the charity saw a £1m deficit, mostly due to the massive increases in costs that have been seen over the last few years. We know how essential Julia's House is and want to ensure that care continues to be there for those who need it.

Completing this challenge and raising as much money as possible is my way of trying to help ensure that families who need support from Julia's House are able to access this amazing charity.

If Jacob is very unwell or for any medical reason I can't complete the hike, all money will go to Julia's house and I will endeavour to do an equally demanding challenge at a later date.

Thank you for all the support :)

The peaks:

1. Rossett Pike

2. Tongue Head

3. Allan Crags

4. Great End

5. Ill Crag

6. Scafell Pike

7. Esk Pike

8. Bowfell

9. Crinkle Crags

10. Long Top

11. Cold Pike

12. Pike O'Blisco

13. Snarker Pike

14. Raven Crag

15. Red Screes

16. Middle Dodd

17. Little Hart Crag

18. Dove Crag

19. Hart Crag

20. Scrubby Crag

21. Fairfield

22. Great Rigg

23. Heron Pike

24. Stone Arthur