Thanks for taking the time to visit our JustGiving page. Myself and 14 of my close friends are walking the national 3 peaks on the 8th and 9th July to raise as much money as possible for cancer research UK. On the final climb of Snowdon on the 9th July we will be joined by many more friends and family plus my mum, brother and sister - they will help motivate those of us with tired legs up the last climb.

We have all been affected by cancer in one way or another. Some of the lads doing this challenge have lost parents, grandparents and other family members to this horrible disease and collectively we hope to do our part in helping Cancer research carry out their important work to help end this illness that can tear families apart.

Last September my dad was diagnosed with Terminal Cancer. It was Lung cancer that had spread to his spine and brain.

He had struggled with a bad back for a few months and had been assured it was nothing to worry about. Unfortunately the doctors and physiotherapists could not have been more wrong and the bad back he was experiencing was 14 tumors and a fractured vertebrae (an injury from one of the larger tumors). This cancer had spread from his Lung - where it had given him no symptoms - to his spine and also his brain - we lost him just a short 5 weeks later, 3 days after his 62nd Birthday.

Anyone who has seen a loved one succumb to this horrible disease will agree that the time to find a cure is long overdue. As cancer is so complex and there are many different variations a cure is difficult to achieve. What can be done in the meantime is better ways of ensuring early diagnosis and treatment and this is where charities like cancer research come in.

My dad would still be here if he had had an early diagnosis on his lung cancer. It pains us all to know that earlier diagnosis and treatment could have added many years to his life. All we can do now is try and raise funds to help assist these charities in getting to a point where people in my dad's position get better help and a longer life.

We chose the 3 peaks as it is the perfect tribute to my dad Ray (better know as Fatboy - an affectionate name we promise haha).

He loved hiking and had climbed Ben Nevis, Snowdon and Scafell many times (he actually never wanted to do Ben Nevis again after the first time so not looking forward to that one).

If we can hit our target of £7500 I know he would be immensely proud of all of us as would all of our other lost friends and family members.

So please, donate what you can and we will keep everyone updated on what will no doubt be quite a funny attempt seen as though most of us are pushing 40 with large beer bellies to boot.

Thank you

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