CHECK OUR CHARITY PAGES FOR AN UPDATE ON HOW WE ARE TRAINING AND DOING THE CHALLENGE!!

Thanks for taking the time to visit our JustGiving page.

We are a group of colleagues who, when one of us, Marek, suggested to do the 3 Peaks Challenge on 24th/25th June 2023 for challenge, we all decided to jump on and do it too, for different reasons.

As a group we are supporting three amazing charities: (Please choose one of the team members at the bottom of the page):

- University Hospitals Birmingham

- Anna Starosolska (Polish charity)

- Kidney Research UK

Please support us on this big challenge as many of us haven’t done it before, by donating to these charities!

Our personal stories are below:

RAVI

The 3 Peaks Challenge is a personal goal for me to raise money for Kidney Research UK and to raise awareness regarding kidney disease.

Back in 2020 I was diagnosed with IGA Nephropathy which is an Auto Immune condition that causes kidney disease. Since the diagnosis I’ve vowed to do everything to fight it and raise awareness. This means strengthening and conditioning my body by training and keeping fit, this challenge is helping me do that by preparing for it.

My preparation and training have included long distance hiking and challenges such as doing Malvern Hills end to end in one day (such hikes include a total distance of 12.5 miles), climbing up and down peaks such as Wrekin Hill Fort and long-distance hikes that include the Birmingham Canal routes on some days totalling 16 to 25km.

This challenge will test and push my body’s physical and mental capabilities and overall make me stronger and fitter person.

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MATT

I wanted to join the 3 Peaks Challenge to enjoy the sheer challenge of completing it, gaining the physical benefits, the scenery and raising money for charity in the process.

To get ready for the challenge I’ve been taking walks around local hills at weekends and taking walks during the week at lunchtimes and in the evening. Even the exercise bike is getting an airing and I’m enjoying getting the extra exercise!

I have attempted it before and not completed it so that gives me an added incentive to get it done!

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BRAD

I am doing the 3 Peaks Challenge because the charities chosen by my colleagues are very close to their hearts, and my aim is to support them every step of the way, whichever way I can.

This will also serve as a personal challenge to me. I have a fair bit of hiking experience but have never taken on a feat of this calibre. It's an opportunity for me to prove to myself what I'm capable of with some hard work, perseverance and lots of training.

Last but not least, my nan passed away in April this year from an uncommon cancer. The last year has been especially difficult for my family handling everything from her care to all involved after her passing, lots of ups and downs with her recovery and ailment. Spiritually, I'm dragging myself up these mountains in her name. If you're willing to support us too, I believe anyone donating to the charities on our page can share my sentiment in saving the lives of their loved ones, or at the very least, giving them a better quality of life before their passing.

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MOHANA

This is a challenging journey which I haven't done it before and it won’t be an easy one, but I’m determined to make it happen and raise funds that will help some one's most advanced treatment and complex surgical procedure. The first mountain to climb will be Ben Nevis in Scotland. It might be greeted with unpredictable weather, making it even more challenging. Next up will be Scafell pike, will start to feel the exhaustion of the previous climb but I will push on. Finally, it will be time for Snowdon in Wales. With spirits high and a target to achieve I will do our best to succeed to climb all three mountains within 24 hours. Money which we raise goes towards the Birmingham children's charity and it provides support to children and young people.

Thanks to your kindness and generosity towards the donations.

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AARON

As a teenager I got to do a lot of hiking & trekking through the Scouting movement. The 3 peaks challenge was always known as benchmark challenge for the UK, but I never had the opportunity to attempt it. So when the idea to raise money for charity by completing the 3 -peaks challenge formed between a few members of the at TelXL, I jumped at the opportunity to get involved. The 3 charities we have selected are all for excellent causes and personal to the team in different ways. As a Midlander, being born on Solihull hospital, and with many of my family living in the local area, I’m particularly excited to be raising money for the University Hospitals Birmingham Charity and giving something back to my local area. I’m excited to be finally taking on this challenge, proving I still have the mental and physical toughness to complete it, and be doing it with a great bunch of work colleagues.

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MAREK

This is how it is, that usually at the least expected moment for us, we can feel worse and we will have to go to the doctor. A visit to a specialist is often needed to make a diagnosis, so although we do not plan it, we should report to the hospital. So it was with me too. So I applied and had the opportunity to meet a friendly reception. I was taken care of, comprehensive tests were ordered, medications were prescribed, thanks to which I became convinced that if I also need to use the help of a medical facility in the future, I should not be afraid of anything. And for that I would like to thank you.

While in the hospital, I saw how complicated and technologically advanced the equipment used for treatment is. That kind of equipment must cost a fortune. Just like its use. We never know if we'll ever need to use it. So I would like to help as much as I can.

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CRAIG

As a child at 7 years of age I underwent open heart surgery to repair two holes in my heart and a leaking valve. Before I had the surgery I was not able to even walk to the local shops, any small amount of exercise would feel like I'd completed a marathon. The open heart surgery changed my life, I was able to do everything from running around to playing football. It is amazing what the surgeons did for me, especially considering this was 36 years ago when we did not have all the advanced technology we have today.

This is a fantastic challenge to complete, I get to enjoy our environment, challenge my fitness and spend time with my colleagues and friends. It’s also great that we can raise money for our local hospitals and give help our amazing NHS which I will be forever grateful for the work they have done to give me back my life!

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